Grand Terrace Will Crown A New Holiday Princess

A beautiful girl with a heart of gold — that's how people who know Meaghen Martin would describe her. Martin, 14, is freshman at Grand Terrace High School (GTHS), and is about to be crowned this year's Grand Terrace Holiday Princess 2013. Grand Terrace's REC Center last year began an annual tradition where locals nominate outstanding young girls in the Blue Mountain community for the title of Holiday Princess. This year, Martin has been chosen and tonight, Dec. 3, will be crowned. Martin's mom, Cyndi Martin, described her daughter as "a really good girl." "She is always so helpful towards her little sister Robi and loves to take care of children," she said. Cyndi Martin decided to nominate her daughter because of all the positivity she brings to the world. Meaghen has spent a significant amount of time volunteering with TopSoccer, an organization dedicated to helping children with special needs enjoy sports like soccer. Meaghen, however, describes herself as being very shy. "I was shocked," she said of her nomination and her winning. "My mom didn't tell me she even nominated me. It was just last Saturday that she showed me I won. I was really happy and excited when I found out." Meaghen was chosen by a team at The REC Center, who this year received three times as many entries for the contest than last year's inaugural event. As part of the title, Meaghen will be a princess for the day,receiving a makeover that includes a manicure and pedicure at Professionail in Grand Terrace; having her hair and makeup professionally done; and to top it all off, will receive a crown this evening. Local residents are encouraged to come out and support Grand Terrace's newest princess as well as have some holiday fun. The crowning will happen this evening between 6:30 and 7 p.m. at the Grand Terrace Farmers Market in the Walgreen's Shopping Center off Barton Road. Attending the princess crowning tonight are some of Meaghen's biggest supporters: her best friends. Meaghen said, "I can't wait to see everyone tonight. My best friends Kayla McClure and Victoria Melton are going to come out, too!" The REC Center also invites everyone to bring out their little princesses all dressed up so that they can take a picture with the Holiday Princess. Don't miss out on your chance for a picture with Meaghen Martin and seeing her transformation into a true princess.