Blooming in Bonney Lake: Shaniah Andal Named 2026 Daffodil Princess
- The Insider
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
In a moment filled with proud tears, fast-beating hearts, and a future full of promise, Bonney Lake High School senior Shaniah Andal was announced as the 2026 Daffodil Festival Princess representing Bonney Lake, joining the storied legacy of service-driven royalty in Pierce County.
A Surprise That Sparked Commitment
When Shaniah heard her name called, she was “honestly shocked.”
“The first thing that came to mind was all the people I’ll meet and the positive impact I can have,” she said. “My heart started racing as I thought about the incredible chance presented to me. I looked at my mother, jumping for joy with my brother in her arms, and my best friend Marie, who had stayed beside me the entire day just to support me.”
That mix of joy and awareness set the tone for a year she’s determined to make meaningful.
Stepping Into Tradition
The Daffodil Festival’s royalty program has long symbolized community, leadership, and service.
“To me, it means stepping into a tradition built on service and leadership and doing my part to keep that spirit alive in my community,” Shaniah said. “It’s one of the greatest honors a girl in my town can receive, and a responsibility heavier than any crown I’ll wear.”
Behind The Scenes: The Selection Experience
Becoming a Daffodil Princess isn’t just about wearing a crown—it’s a process rooted in character.
“The judges are members of your community,” she explained. “In my case, that included the mayor, a former princess, and local leaders. They evaluate contestants based on personality, stage presence, and the ability to think on their feet.”
She recalls trying to make a strong first impression. “My hands were clammy, and I wiped them on my pants before shaking hands,” she laughed. “I was sweating so much backstage I had to use paper towels. But once I stood in front of the judges, my anxiety melted away. I even made them laugh five times during our interview. Afterward, one came up to tell me I’d do great things.”
A Story That Inspires
Shaniah hopes her reign encourages others who face anxiety and self-doubt. "I want people to remember me as someone who approached life with an open heart and a genuine smile,” she said. “Since middle school, I’ve struggled with severe anxiety that made it hard to put myself out there. But if you want to do something, go for it. Even if your voice trembles or your knees give out, never stop reaching for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll still land among the stars.”
The Road Ahead
Wearing the sash and crown comes with visibility, but what truly excites Shaniah is connection.
“I’m most excited to meet new people and make meaningful connections,” she said. “I want to make a positive impact, not just through my crown but also through my voice. I want to advocate for marginalized groups and empower young women to do the same.”
She admits her schedule feels daunting. “I’ve made it a habit to document every single event down to the minute on my poor little phone calendar,” she joked.
Beyond the Crown
Outside her royal duties, Shaniah is active across Bonney Lake High. She serves as ASB Tech Coordinator, leads business and marketing for the Robotics Team, and represents her school for The Bonney Lake Insider while studying journalism in Puyallup.
These roles all reflect a common thread, leadership through service.
Where Hope Blossoms
In Bonney Lake, small-town pride and big ambition meet each spring when the Daffodil Festival parade rolls through town. When Shaniah waves from that float, she hopes the community feels what she feels.
“Storms may come, but they’ll always run out of rain,” she said. “I want people to feel as hopeful and passionate as I am for our city. It’s the little details, the sunsets, the local cafés, the familiar faces, that make Bonney Lake so special.”
As she steps into her new role, Shaniah Andal embodies what the Daffodil tradition has always stood for, hope, service, and the courage to bloom right where you’re planted.
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