Cortney Spiegel, 18, left, and Elizabeth Cusick, 19, were named Romeo Peach Queen and Peach Queen Runner-Up, respectively, on April 26. Source photo by Matt December

Cortney Spiegel of Washington Township was selected by a panel of judges as this year’s Peach Queen. Spiegel, currently a student at Romeo High School, said she was very excited to be named queen and has had a life-long affection for the Romeo Peach Festival of Michigan.

“I’ve been every single year of my life,” said Spiegel, who added that she always got her picture taken with the Peach Queen when she was growing up. “I always thought it was the coolest thing to be Peach Queen. I’ve always wanted to be.”

Spiegel said she was very excited about the opportunity act as Peach Queen and added that she looks forward to the various events she will get to attend across southeastern Michigan.

Spiegel has spent time as a student mentor at Powell Middle School, as a peer mediator at the high school and also worked with the 4-H Club for several years.

In high school, Spiegel also spent her free time on the girl’s golf team, the tennis team and softball team.

“I always thought it was so cool to be a role model,” she said. “I’m so excited, I still can’t contain myself.”

Spiegel, who graduates from RHS this year, plans to attend college next year to focus on getting a degree in communications.

Elizabeth Cusick, 19, was selected as the Peach Queen Runner-up. She is currently majoring in biological sciences with a French minor at Michigan State University.

Cusick graduated from Romeo High School last year, and said she has enjoyed attending the Peach Festival in the past and looks forward to being a part of its tradition.

Cusick added that she always thought it would be fun to represent the area.

Cusick danced for more than a decade and performed in three musicals at the high school. She was also a member of the band and is currently a member of the Spartan marching band at MSU.

Cusick also said some of the activities she enjoys include reading, swimming, cooking and collecting frogs.

Some day Cusick said she would like to be a high school science and French teacher, and be able to travel to experience different cultures.

“I’m interested in meeting new people and going to other fairs,” said Cusick.

The other women who competed for the title of Romeo Peach Queen were Natalie Pizzimenti of Washington Township, Holly Winters of Romeo, Danielle Finn of Washington Township and Amber Loyson of Ray Township.

Judging was based solely on individual interviews between the candidates and a panel of judges.