A queen for us since 1886.

In the spirit of Smith Magazine’s six-word memoir project, we also asked the 16 candidates for the 2013 title of Aurora, Queen of the Snows, to write their own six-word bios, life philosophies or introductions.

This year’s group has lots of material, with experiences ranging from being a roadie with a band to surviving a serious car accident.

The women are all vying to be a part of St. Paul’s history: The St. Paul Winter Carnival has been crowning a queen since its inception in 1886.

The next queen and four princesses will be revealed Friday, Jan. 25, at the 2013 Royal Coronation at St. Paul RiverCentre.

Until then, let us introduce you:

Shoshana Anderson Boyce, 26, of Greenwood, is sponsored by Frauenshuh HealthCare Real Estate Solutions. Boyce, a native of St. Paul, served as a princess in Miss Shamrock’s royal court in 2011 through the St. Paul’s St. Patrick’s Day Association. Boyce, who works as an assistant at a Montessori preschool and kindergarten in Eden Prairie, decided to run for Queen of the Snows because: “It was on my bucket list.” “There are no mistakes, just lessons.”

Lyz Carlson, 24, of Maplewood, is sponsored by the Rice Street Festival. Carlson, a newlywed, recently finished her reign as the 2011-12 Rice Street Festival Queen. A University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduate, she works as a financial aid counselor at the Regency Beauty Institute and is still active in her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha. “Loves meeting new people; just married.”

Megan Erickson, 22, of West St. Paul, is sponsored by J&J Temperature Control. Erickson graduated summa cum laude from Winona State University in December and is working as a first-grade teacher in Eagan. She was a member and captain of the Winona State University cheer team from 2010-12 and also a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars for 2010-12. Her previous royal titles: Winter Carnival Junior Royalty in 2005 and West St. Paul Princess in 2008. “Enthusiastic teacher, cheerleader and pink fanatic.”

Kati Giles, 24, of Eagan, is sponsored by Dakota Premium Foods. Giles, who also ran for queen last year, works at U.S. Bank. Her previous royal titles: Miss Inver Grove Heights/Miss Congeniality in 2011. Giles is also a dancer, having spent more than two decades as both a student and an instructor. “Enjoys family time; loves to dance.”

Melissa Hoffbeck, 35, of Burnsville, is sponsored by SevenHills Benefit Partners. Hoffbeck, a senior financial analyst at Best Buy, is a native of South St. Paul. She has a B.S. in applied economics from the University of Minnesota and an MBA in finance from the University of St. Thomas. She is an avid skier and an equestrian. “Gluten-free pro, loves riding horses.”

Abby Hoglin, 26, of Lakeville, is sponsored by Ideal Printers. A native of Northfield, Hoglin volunteers for the annual Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration. A University of Minnesota graduate, she is an operations manager at Larson and Larson Financial. She and her husband, Mitch, live with a small menagerie of rescue animals. “Motivated by family and friends daily.”

Ruth MacAllister of Wyoming, Minn., is sponsored by the Wild Onion. MacAllister is a musician, artist, business owner and mom. She is also a roadie with Hitchville, a local country/rock band. “Artistic leader inspires creative community insights.”

Shannon O’Brien, 28, of St. Louis Park, is sponsored by Bennett’s Chop and Railhouse. O’Brien says her greatest achievement is surviving a serious car accident and learning to walk again. She received her B.A. degree in communications arts at Marymount Manhattan College in New York and trained on Broadway at Circle in the Square Theatre. She was a 2002 North Hudson Pepper Fest Princess. “Volunteer at heart; loves to fish.”

Carrie Paetow, 32, of Eden Prairie, is sponsored by White Bear Country Inn. Paetow, who ran for queen in 2004, is a Fox 9 (KMSP-TV) morning producer, an avid runner and a blue ribbon baker. She has ridden the Wild Thing roller coaster 45 times in a row. “Creative baker outdoor enthusiast healthy living.”

Ericka Running, 21, is sponsored by Twin Cities Foot & Ankle Clinic. A junior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, she is studying psychology and criminal justice with the goal of pursuing a career in forensic psychology. She was chosen Miss South St. Paul in 2010 and serves as an assistant director of the program. “Fun-loving-clumsy-sassy-sporty gal.”

Christine Schrader, 32, of Lakeville, is sponsored by Power Systems Research of Eagan, where she works as an executive assistant. Schrader, who grew up in Woodbury, spent seven years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Her hobbies including sewing, quilting, baking and reading. Schrader and her husband, Brandon, have a German shepherd, Gretta, and a cat, Calvin. “Air Force captain loves to sew.”

Jill Volkert, 31, of Hammond, Wis., is sponsored by Bob and Generation Builders. She grew up in White Bear Lake and recently moved to Wisconsin, where she lives with her husband, Bill, and their dog, Oliver. Volkert, a manager at Bluestone Physician Services in Stillwater, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an associate’s degree in medical administration. She enjoys running, baking, gardening and volunteering.“Health-care manager encourages all to volunteer.”

Kara Wattunen, 23, of New Brighton, is sponsored by 13 Fishing. Wattunen, who has a degree in wildlife and forestry conservation, recently returned to college to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism with an emphasis in public relations. She is working at Kids & Company in the Hopkins School District and on-air with Wild Dakota Outdoor Television. Wattunen is the national spokesperson for Youth Outdoors USA and president of Youth Outdoors USA Midwest Charter. She was the 2011 Miss Minnesota U.S. International. “Avid community volunteer; national outdoors spokesperson.”

Kaitlin Wenda, 23, of Woodbury, is sponsored by Celebrate West St. Paul Days. Wenda grew up in West St. Paul and was crowned Miss West St. Paul in 2006. She recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she majored in secondary education English. She is working as a substitute teacher. Wenda’s favorite outdoor activity is fishing both on the water and ice: One of her favorite memories is catching her first muskie (38 inches) with her father. “Dedicated, creative, fun-loving teacher lady.”

Laura Werk, 34, of Plymouth, is sponsored by FFP Wealth Management. Werk, a graphic designer, grew up in Anoka and is an active member of the Anoka Halloween committee, having designed its medallion for the past seven years. In her spare time, she enjoys competing in tractor pulls and going antiques picking. She and her husband, Kurt, have two sons, ages 7 and almost 2. “Designer of greatness, mother of two.”

Jennifer Westerhaus, 34, of Chanhassen, is sponsored by Cannon River Winery. Westerhaus, who loves to write, shares her enjoyment of literature with others through her business, Usborne Books and More. She and her husband, Kevin, have three children, ages 6, (almost) 4 and (almost) 2. She enjoys volunteering and discovering great food and great wine. “Don’t ever stop chasing your dreams.”

Molly Guthrey can be reached at 651-228-5505.

Copyright 2013 Pioneer Press.