Former Golden Girl named Duchess of the Rose Growers
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Henson

The Texas Rose Festival begins its 74th annual celebration on October 17, and Amanda Henson, a former BISD student, has been selected as the Duchess of the Rose Growers, a title limited only to those who share a bloodline with those in the rose industry.

"The festival was started 74 years ago to promote Tyler roses," Henson said. "I think it was during the time of the depression."

Henson graduated from BISD High School in 2006 and went from there to major in education at the University of Texas in Tyler where she is currently a sophomore. Amanda drilled with the Golden Girls Drill Team for four years, serving as a lieutenant during her junior year, then team captain during her senior year. She also made the list for Who's Who of American High School for every year she was enrolled, complimenting her position in the National Honor Roll.

Her parents, Robert and Donna Henson, reside in Chandler.

"I love Chandler," Amanda Henson said. "My whole family lives in Chandler, and the community is great."

The Rose Festival is a collection of events spanning the better part of a week. Everything from luncheons to art shows to tours of the rose nursery is available to visitors.

Clay Ford, Amanda's grandfather and a retired rose grower, said the Texas Rose Research foundation selects women to be a part of the Rose Festival's Royal Court. Ford was responsible for sending Amanda's nomination to the foundation.

The Royal Court includes seventeen young ladies who will attend the Rose Festival in what Amanda described as extravagant gowns and dress.

Rick Ford, Amanda's uncle, said only ladies in their sophomore year of college can be a part of the court, and they are selected during their freshman year.

"It's sort of like a fashion show," Henson said.

Rick Ford said the festival is one of the largest events in East Texas.

"It's got to be the largest event in Tyler," Rick Ford said. "It attracts upwards of 50,000 people to the parade itself; Texas Governor Rick Perry has ridden in the parade before."

Rick added that the rose industry has made Tyler what it is today, and that people from England, in the past, have journeyed to Tyler to find out how to grow roses.

Donna Henson, Amanda's mother, said Amanda's title for the festival is something Clay has wanted for her since Amanda was born.

Clay said he thinks his granddaughter's royal title is a wonderful thing.

"I think she's an asset to the festival," Ford said. "She's very talented."

The festival will commence at 6 pm with the Festival Vesper church service and will blossom into a parade on Saturday, October 20 at 9:30 am. Anyone who wishes to partake in the celebration is invited, and Amanda suggested visitors attend the Queen's Tea event on Friday, October 19 at 3 pm. The event is free and the entire Royal Court will be in full costume.