Engaging with the Community.
These young ambassadors immerse themselves in a variety of activities designed to enhance their public speaking, organizational, and interpersonal skills. They participate in community events, engage in fundraising efforts, and serve as liaisons between the festival and the public. Their presence at local gatherings, such as the Queen Candidate Premiere attended by over 200 community members, underscores their role in promoting the festival’s values and events .

Personal Stories, Shared Dreams.
Each candidate brings a unique perspective and set of aspirations to the role. For instance, Madison Cough, a senior at Cabrillo High School, aims to unify the community and serve as a role model for younger generations, drawing from her involvement in school activities and her passion for early childhood education. Similarly, Valen Delorio, a member of Lompoc High School’s cheer team, emphasizes the importance of community support and pride, encouraging residents to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams .

A Celebration of Heritage and Hope.
The culmination of their efforts is celebrated during the Flower Festival, a vibrant event that showcases Lompoc’s rich floral heritage and community spirit. The crowning of the Flower Festival Queen is not just a ceremonial honor but a recognition of the candidate’s dedication, leadership, and embodiment of the festival’s values.

Looking Ahead.
As these young women continue their journey, they not only honor the traditions of the Lompoc Flower Festival but also pave the way for future leaders. Their stories are a testament to the power of community engagement and the enduring impact of youth leadership in shaping a vibrant and cohesive society.

Introducing The 2025 Lompoc Flower Festival Queen…

Miss Jomelyza “Yza” Wilhelm

With grace, heart, and an unwavering dedication to her hometown, Jomelyza “Yza” Wilhelm has officially been crowned the 2025 Queen of the Lompoc Valley Flower Festival. Her journey to the crown is not just a celebration of tradition, but a shining example of leadership, perseverance, and community spirit.
A proud Lompoc native, Yza is currently enrolled at Allan Hancock College and plans to transfer to Cal State University Long Beach to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. On campus, she has proven to be a dynamic and engaged student, serving on the Robotics Team and Tennis Club while maintaining her academic momentum.

Yza’s path to the crown was paved with years of meaningful involvement in both school and community. At Cabrillo High School, she served as Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team, receiving the Coaches Award, and President of the National Computer Science Honor Society. Her accolades also include being named a National Cyber Scholarship Foundation Scholar and Gold Awardee.
Beyond the classroom, Yza has shown deep dedication to

community service. She’s been an active member of the Filipino Ministry at La Purisima Catholic Church, served on the Lompoc Youth Commission, and helped organize Cabrillo’s Grad Week. She currently serves as Secretary of the Lompoc Filipino-American Club — the very organization that proudly sponsored her candidacy.
Throughout the Flower Festival Queen competition, Yza stood out not only for her accomplishments and eloquence but also for her warmth and kindness. In recognition of her positive spirit and uplifting presence, she was also honored by her fellow queen candidates as Miss Congeniality — a title voted on by her peers and a true testament to her character.
During the impromptu Q&A portion of the competition, Yza was asked: “If you are chosen as queen, what community service projects would you take part in?”
Her thoughtful response left a lasting impression:

“Part of my campaign is inspiring the youth to believe in themselves and their abilities. I’ve been trying to create a new youth leadership program to do just that. I would continue that as a queen, and I would also like to bring more awareness to what being a queen candidate means. Not a lot of people realize how much hard work, dedication, and self-growth comes from this experience, so I would like to inspire more of the young ladies in our community to join.”
While Yza once hesitated to pursue her dream of running for Flower Festival Queen, citing shyness and self-doubt, this year she stepped forward with courage and confidence. Her inspiring journey to the crown reflects her commitment to personal growth and her desire to represent and uplift the Lompoc community.
“Running for queen wasn’t just about a crown,” Yza said during her speech. “It was about giving back to the community that raised me and proving that, in Lompoc, even the smallest dreams can come true.”
Now, as the newly crowned Queen of the 2025 Lompoc Valley Flower Festival, Yza is ready to carry forward the legacy of those who came before her, while inspiring the next generation to step into their dreams — no matter how big or small.

Maria Vega Photography

To view additional information, go to: http://mariavegaphotography.com/.
or call: Phone (805) 588-4568. Or email: mvpvega@aol.com

THE ORIGINAL CROWN

In the heart of Lompoc, where flowers blanket the valley and tradition blooms with pride, there exists a crown that tells a story deeper than petals and pageantry. The Lompoc Valley Flower Festival Queen’s Crown isn’t just a symbol of royalty—it’s a testament to community, craftsmanship, and the remarkable women who helped build a legacy.

In an extraordinary act of unity, the women of the community began donating their own silver: cherished teaspoons, heirloom trinkets, serving pieces, even jewelry. These were not castoffs but treasures, each with a story, melted down and reborn into a crown that would

carry the hopes and pride of the valley. 
Forged by local artisans from this mosaic of memories, the new crown was both regal and rooted. It gleamed with the strength of generations and was adorned each year with fresh flowers—linking the past to the present, permanence to growth.

The crown sits atop the head of each newly crowned Flower Festival Queen, still radiant with silver from Lompoc’s own ladies. It represents not just the young woman chosen to lead the festival, but the entire community’s spirit—strong, generous, and beautifully woven together. From fresh floral halos to hand-forged silver heirlooms, the Queen’s Crown continues to tell Lompoc’s story, one petal and one proud woman at a time.

Today, Vargas Jewelers, a cherished family-owned business in Lompoc since 1974, has played a significant role in the Lompoc Valley Flower Festival’s traditions. In 2022, Emily Vargas of Vargas Jewelers generously donated the headpieces used to crown the festival’s winners.