By Katelyn Gustafson, 2025-2026 Syttende Mai Queen
WOODVILLE, WI – This past year has been an amazing experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve learned a lot about myself, about being a leader, and about being a part of a community. For all of this, I must thank the Woodville Lions Club, our Queen’s Committee, and my Court and their families.
To my Court, each one of you has made this experience truly special, and each one of you have done so in your own unique ways. Princess Jessi, when we figured out the exact right place to lay in the ship, it was a game changer. Princess Addisyn, I was very lucky to be able to go to the Glenwood City sleepover with you. And Princess Addy, dancing to “Cotton Eye Joe” on the float while we were finding the start of the parade, was definitely one of my favorite experiences.
To all the families, thank you for everything you have done for all of us this year. From driving us and the float to making sure we have snacks; this would not have been something we could’ve done without you.
To the Lions, it has been an honor to represent you. Thank you for allowing me that opportunity, and I thank you for all the support you have shown this year.
And my Queen’s Committee, you do all the heavy lifting and are the sole reason we were able to be a part of any of the events we did over this last year. So, thank you for everything that you have done and continue to do for us because I know that I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without you.
To my parents, thank you for pushing me to try something new, thank you for supporting me and giving me everything I need to succeed. I appreciate it all more than you know.
Once again, thank you to everyone who has supported me along this journey. So, as we near the end, for one of the last times, my name is Katelyn Gustafson and I am your 2024-2025 Syttende Mai Queen. However, this is not a goodbye.
Seeing as how we had no interest in candidates this year, Woodville would have gone another year with an empty Syttende Mai Court. But, after discussing with the Lions, Addisyn Wichelman and have decided to stay on as your 2025-2026 Syttende Mai Court.
I can confidently say, on both mine and Princess Addisyn’s behalf, that we are very excited for this second year and we are very grateful for this opportunity.
My name is Katelyn Gustafson, and I am your 2025-2026 Syttende Mai Queen.
