GTHS Freshman Named Holiday Princess

Little girls and boys from throughout Grand Terrace got a chance to snap photos with Snow White and ask a few questions on Tuesday night, after Meaghen Martin was chosen as this year's Grand Terrace Holiday Princess. The 14-year-old Grand Terrace High School freshman was crowned and presented at the Grand Terrace Farmer's Market in the Walgreen's Shopping Center on Barton Road, after receiving a full makeover that included a manicure and pedicure from community business Professionails, as well as having both her hair and makeup professionally done by Bella Tresse Salon and Bella Jewels Makeup, respectively. The Holiday Princess program, presented by the Grand Terrace REC Center, is now in its second year. Martin succeeded last year's Holiday Princess, Jacqueline Bulger, in the title. Her mother, Cyndi, and her father, Robert, nominated their daughter for the crown after hearing about it via the REC Center's public Facebook page. Martin is also active in the community organization, which provides activities for Grand Terrace youth to participate in, including classes in a range of subjects. She was chosen by a selection committee of four active community members for many reasons, explained Jennifer Araiza, director of the REC Center. "Our selection panel chose Meaghen because of her commitment to youth, community service and selfless ways," Araiza said. "She has a heart of gold and is always looking to offer a hand. She is so authentic, intelligent and sweet." Last year Araiza started the Holiday Princess campaign with the goal of bringing the community together to recognize and celebrate outstanding contributors. Cyndi explained that her daughter is not one to take "the limelight" and that she wanted to give Meaghen the chance to be recognized. "She's such a good girl," she said. "She's sweet, she has a heart of gold and she puts others before herself, always." Meaghen is a member of the GTHS track team and has also spent a good part of her life playing soccer. She's been volunteering with TOP Soccer for a few years, an organization which provides children with disabilities the chance to participate in fun, community sports. Her desire to help others, especially children, also stood out and was one of the factors her parents considered when nominating her, explained Cyndi, who noted her daughter's desire to possibly pursue a career as a special education teacher in the future. "She attended Terrace View Elementary and while she was there, she became close with the kids [in the special education courses], Cyndi said. "It's been something that stuck with her. She's loved being with those kids." When her parents learned Meaghen was chosen for the title, they kept it quiet until the Saturday before her makeover. "I was very surprised and happy for her," said Cyndi, after learning her daughter had won. "When we found out, we were having a family Thanksgiving event at my aunt's house, so we were around people who appreciated [the news]." Last Tuesday, Meaghen spent two-and-a-half hours being pampered by a team of local beauty experts before being debuted looking like Snow White. She even got to keep the crown bestowed upon her, she said. "Getting crowned was my favorite part," Meaghen said the Friday, following her recognition. "The whole entire thing was a new experience." "And she really looked like a princess," her mother chimed in. Araiza thanked everyone who made the event possible: Bella Tresse Salon, Professional Nails, Bella Treece Jewels Makeup, City News Group, the selection panel, Meaghen's parents and the Grand Terrace community.