Allison Speaker (WVA) – 2011 US Cherry Blossom Queen leaves with Chaperone, Adrienne Magnuson (VA) for Japan November 2-10

Allison Speaker, the 2011 Cherry Blossom Queen from West Virginia, and her chaperon Adrienne Magnuson, departed for Japan this week to meet with dignitaries and experience the country's rich, cultural traditions. Allison will meet the Speaker of Japan's House of Representatives, Takahiro Yokomichi, as well as  the Mayor of Nikko and the Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda.  During her trip, she will also participate in a cherry tree planting ceremony and visit a disaster campsite from the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that devastated the country earlier this year. On behalf of the National Conference of State Societies, Allison will present a donation going towards Japan's relief efforts. The Queen returns on November 10th to share her amazing journey.