Kara D’Ann Alvarez

ELKINS — Bridgeport resident Kara D’Ann Alvarez has been selected as Maid Silvia for the 80th Mountain State Forest Festival by Director General Scott Goddard.

When asked about the selection/appointment, Scott Goddard said, “Stepping into the director general role for the 80th Mountain State Forest Festival, I was not given a manual entitled ‘How to find Maid/Queen Silvia,'” Goddard said. “At first, I have to admit that I was a little overwhelmed with this task. Luckily, my parents combined with my D&E and Forest Festival families were there for support and assistance. A number of magical moments quickly followed. The following quote/mantra is always bouncing around in my head, ‘Follow your heart. Live your dream. Be passionate. Happiness is yours to take. Never give up. Your energy is limitless. Embrace possibility. Love your life.'”

“Consequently, my heart led me to Kara and the Alvarez family,” Goddard added. “It is with the utmost excitement that I announce Kara D’Ann Alvarez as Maid/Queen Silvia for the 80th Mountain State Forest Festival. Kara possesses all of the traits that I was looking for in Maid/Queen Silvia. I truly look forward to our time together over the next few months.”

Alvarez, 21, is the daughter of David and Kimberly Alvarez of Bridgeport. She is the granddaughter of the late Manuel Alvarez II and Mary Gloria Alvarez of Bridgeport and Robert and Anna Mae Mosser of Bridgeport. Alvarez has one younger brother, David Alvarez, and two older sisters, Andria and Laura Alvarez.

The future Queen Silvia is a 2013 graduate of Mercersburg Academy, where she received a varsity letter on the swim team for four years and served as a resident assistant during her senior year.

In the fall, Alvarez will be a junior at West Virginia University, where she is majoring in child development and family studies. At West Virginia University, she participates on the Club Swim Team and is a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. In her spare time, Alvarez enjoys visiting friends, going to music festivals and concerts, spending time with family, spending time on boats and relaxing by the pool.

When asked what her future plans included, Alvarez said she hopes to be able to work with children with disabilities.

Alvarez will be crowned as Queen of the 80th Mountain State Forest Festival during the Royal Coronation at 2 p.m. on Oct. 7, at the Outdoor Amphitheatre of Davis & Elkins College. Attended by 40 princesses from around the state, two maids of honor and a minor court, she will receive her crown from Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin in an elaborate outdoor ceremony.

The 80th edition of the Mountain State Forest Festival with the theme “Celebrate!” will take place Oct. 1-9. For more information, visit the Mountain State Forest Festival website at www.forestfestival.com or call 304-636-1824.