By Christy Wolyniak, intern

Not every high school student can say she is a princess but for Ballard High School junior Stefania Ghilarducci, being a princess runs in the family.

The Icelandic Club of Greater Seattle chooses a princess or ‘Fjallkona’ every year to represent the club and attend Icelandic traditional events. An active member, Stefania waited two years going to events as an alternate before she could take up her honors.

This title of Fjallkona and rich Icelandic heritage has tied the Ghilarducci women together. Stefania’s mother, Sonna Somerville-Ghilarducci was also a princess as was her mother, Stefania Bjorg Gestsdottir-Somerville, who first came to the U.S. from Reykjavik in 1946.

“I like [being a princess]. It makes me feel closer to [my grandma] and to my culture,” said Stefania.

Named after her grandmother, Stefania remembers going over to her Amma’s house (Icelandic for grandmother,) every day after school. Her heritage was not something merely taught to her; it was what she lived and grew up hearing stories about.

Her grandmother passed away two years ago. Since then Stefania said she has been even more passionate about getting involved in the Icelandic Club.

“My grandma brought [my mom and I] here. She made me become a princess,” said Stefania.

Dressed in a dainty long-sleeved dress of white lace with a black velour corset-like top, Stefania smiled and sat softly next to her mother as she stopped a tear from forming when she spoke of her Amma. Stefania knew how important her Icelandic culture was to her.

“Women in Iceland made Fjallkona because [she represented] the strength of women – that they have power and are independent and that’s what it’s all about,” she said.

The original Fjallkona dress had a cape or cloak often made of fur or velour to represent a queen. The dress itself symbolized Iceland as an independent nation.

“This was really important to my mom,” said Sonna. ‘“She would say to me, ‘I just wish I was home,’ and when I see pictures of Iceland I realize that it really is their homeland.”

Mrs. Ghilarducci became president of the Icelandic Club in January and is excited that her daughter wants to be involved. She said princess duties are not too overwhelming, as Stefania will have to attend and help with four to six events this year in costume.

Events such as the December 17th Jolaball, Thorrabolt, the May 17th Parade, and Iceland’s national holiday: the 17th of June event are some of which Stefania has already been a part. The holiday party Jollaball is one of Stefania’s favorite events. Although the food is sometimes odd, she said petrified shark is pretty good.

After graduation Stefania hopes to visit her cousins still living in Reykjavik and later attend college for architecture.

The Icelandic Club’s Fjallkona will make sure she stays busy, as she is also heavily involved in four school clubs including DECA, FBLA, and Link Crew.

“It wouldn’t be as special to just have a representative [for the club]. It’s great to have kids look up to you…they’re excited about a princess,” said Stefania.