Of the more than 80 candidates, five young women have been named finalists to become this year's Tulip Queen.
The announcement was made Tuesday morning at Corning Park.
Nominees were interviewed and chosen based on leadership skills, along with community service and knowledge of the city.
Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings announced Tuesday the five finalists for 2008 Tulip Queen.
Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings said, "I work with each Tulip Queen and court, and I'm constantly impressed with the energy, talent and commitment these young women contribute to their community all year long."
This year's queen will be crowned on day two of the Tulip Festival by outgoing queen Amisha Gomes of Menands.
Tulip Festival is May 9-11 in Washington Park.
Tulip Queen finalists:
Jessica Engel, 21, Voorheesville
Jessica is a senior at SUNY Plattsburgh majoring in communications and broadcast journalism. Her hobbies include all sports from volleyball to basketball and she loves to golf with her dad. Jessica teaches at Sunday school and volunteers for many other organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, food drives, Relay for Life and the Capital City Rescue Mission. Her career goal is to become an anchor for entertainment news.
Kayla Janeski, 23, Albany
Kayla is a 2007 SUNY Albany graduate with a degree in communications. She’s volunteered at Ellis hospital, the AIDS walk, Earth Day clean up and Relay for Life. She enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as tennis, running and soccer. She loves to cook and bowl with her friends. Kayla currently works at the NYS Assembly and plans to continue her involvement there and is interested in possibly running for local office one day.
Amy LaGrange, 21, Feura Bush
Amy attends the College of Saint Rose majoring in Special Education and English. She works at Catholic Charities and at the Resource Center for Independent Living. As a volunteer, she has taught Sunday School, led youth groups and has worked with the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center. Her hobbies include teaching and helping people with disabilities. Amy plans to be a special education teacher for an urban area school.
Caitlin Spinelli, 18, Albany
Caitlin is a Senior at Colonie Central High School and plans to attend college to major in business. She has volunteered at St. Peters, local food pantries, the Ronald McDonald House and youth court. She enjoys spending time with her family, running and reading. Caitlin aspires to take over her family business or work on Wall Street in New York City.
Sarah Volk, 21, Albany
Sarah is a Junior studying sociology at SUNY Albany and works in Human Resources at the State Tax and Finance department. She is president of the community service club (Circle K), and volunteers for the rescue mission in downtown Albany and Arbor Hill Community Center. In 2007, she traveled to New Orleans to assist hurricane relief effort.