Elizabethtown woman crowned 2025 United States Cherry Blossom Queen

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- An Elizabethtown woman was crowned the 2025 United States Cherry Blossom Queen.

The National Conference of State Societies crowned Malissa Bouakham in Washington, D.C. It's the 77th anniversary of the NCSS Cherry Blossom Program.

Bouakham represented Kentucky at NCSS Congressional and Coronation Reception. She was the 2025 Kentucky Cherry Blossom Delegate.

"It is an absolute honor to represent the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky in strengthening the international alliance the U.S. has with Japan," Bouakham said in a news release Monday.

According to a news release, the Tidal Basin Cherry Blossom trees were planted in 1912 as a gift from Japan to the United States. The Cherry Blossom Princess Education and Cultural Exchange Program was established in 1948 to bring women between the ages of 19 to 24 who exhibit academic achievement, leadership and an interest in world affairs.

The delegates are intended to foster a spirit of international friendship. They participate in educational, cultural and leadership activities in Washington.

Bouakham graduated from University of Kentucky in 2024 with degrees in International Relations, Political Science and Peace Studies. According to a news release, she is also a 2023 alumna of Waseda University where she studied Political Science & Economics and Japanese.

She has advocated for Asian communities on a congressional-level in Washington, D.C. She plans to attend law school in 2026.

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