Rep. Baker honors 2013 Ohio Rose of Tralee, Kelsey Higgins

During the May 22 session of the Ohio House of Representatives, State Representative Nan Baker presented a House resolution to Kelsey Higgins for being named the 2013 Ohio Rose of Tralee.

The Rose of Tralee competition is open to women of Irish descent who reflect the intelligence, compassion and independence of modern Irish women. After being nominated by local businesses or organizations, Roses compete in local competitions in cities around the world. In August, one Rose will earn the title of the Rose of Tralee at the International Festival in County Kerry, Ireland.

As the Ohio Rose, Higgins will travel to Portlaoise, Ireland, to compete in a preliminary contest. Finalists will continue on to Westlake’s sister city of Tralee, Ireland, to compete in the finals.

“Ohio rose contestants are judged on communication skills, poise, personality and talent, and Kelsey certainly has all of these qualities,” said Rep. Baker. “It was great to be able to recognize Kelsey in front of the Ohio House of Representatives. This is a tremendous honor, and we wish her the best of luck in this endeavor.”

The Ohio Rose competition was sponsored by Westlake World Partners, a nonprofit group that oversees Westlake’s endeavors with its sister cities. The organization is the official Northern Ohio Rose affiliate of the International Rose of Tralee competition.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest-running festivals, celebrating 54 years in 2013. The festival was inspired by the love song “The Rose of Tralee,” which depicts a story of unrequited love. Today, the festival includes live concerts, a circus, parades, street entertainment, and the crowning of the Rose of Tralee.