Mail Tribune News - A South Medford High School senior was crowned queen of the Pear Blossom Festival Saturday night.

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A South Medford High School senior was crowned queen of the Pear Blossom Festival Saturday night. Amber Garrard was named Miss Pear Blossom 1999 to applause at the North Medford High School auditorium. "This is really exciting!" the new queen said upon receiving her crown. Garrard won a $1,700 scholarship with the title and will preside over the Pear Blossom Parade on April 10. First runner-up was Marie Richardson of Crater High School. Second runner-up was Lindsay Bennington of Cascade Christian High School. Eight young women competed for the title in the ninth annual pageant. They were judged based on interviews, an essay and their answers to impromptu questions on stage from a TV anchor. The princesses, who each won a $500 scholarship, were narrowed from a field of 40 hopefuls. They were chosen based leadership, community involvement, academic achievement and an essay. Each had to have a 3.5 grade point average or better. Garrard was listed as a "student standout" in the Mail Tribune last fall. Among her awards and accomplishments, she was named 1998 Chemistry Student of the Year and a National Merit Scholar. She plans to study biology in college and pursue a career in medicine. Mail Tribune Copyright �  The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA