Royal Court

Our 2024 Winter Carnival King was born and raised in Saranac Lake. He graduated from Saranac Lake High School and has worked for the State of New York for fourteen years at Sunmount Developmental Center in Tupper Lake.

Ricky has a long history of volunteering for local organizations like the Kiwanis Club, the Aktion Club, and the Adirondack ARC.  He also helps at local events like The Stratton Ride, The Olga Memorial Footrace, the Farmer's Market, and the Village Clean-up.  For many years, Ricky has been involved with the Special Olympics and his hobbies include cheering on our local athletes at sporting events, bowling, walking long distances, collecting and assembling Legos, and bringing smiles to the faces of everyone he sees around town.

Ricky is the proud son of Polly; his father was Fred; he is the brother of Tate, Katie, and Kirk; and the uncle of Charlie, Savvy, and Bella.

Our 2024 Winter Carnival King is Ricky Sullivan!

Liz Murray, our 2024 Winter Carnival Queen, was born in Kapuskasing, Ontario Canada. She grew up in Saranac Lake and graduated from Saranac Lake High School.

Our Queen's hobbies include kayaking, biking, and volunteering in our community.  Her volunteering activities include rescuing retired greyhounds, the Winter Carnival Committee, including the Ladies Fry Pan Toss, The Blue Buns Wheel-a-Palooza and working with IPW 101.  She also volunteered time working the Willard Hanmer Guide Boat Races and Holiday Helpers.

Liz is the volunteer coordinator of the Saranac Lake 3P event, the co-creator of the Saranac Lake Paddlers Challenge and is a past President of the Saranac Lake Women's Civic Chamber.  Liz was also a member of the 1977 Winter Carnival Court and she is employed by the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Liz is the daughter of Tina Scammell and Don and Judy Scammell.  She is married to Ray and she's the sister of Kelly and Donald.

Our 2024 Winter Carnival Queen is Liz Murray!

Sue was born and raised in Saranac Lake. She is a proud mom to Adam and Jeni, and Nana to Gavin and Avery. Since 1996, when Adam began running, Sue has been a volunteer timer for the Cross Country and Track programs. She also coached the Indoor Track and Cross Country teams for a few years. Sue graduated from SLHS, NCCC, and SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education. She taught for 28 years, 27 in the Saranac Lake District. Since she retired, Sue and her husband, Miles, have put many miles on their car traveling to see the kids and grandkids, and nearly as many miles on their bikes. They are loving the new Rail Trail and try to hit it several times a week. Boating, skiing, gardening, and cooking also keep Sue occupied. Some of Sue’s favorite teaching memories were made with this year’s Court over the three (in some cases, four) years she taught them. She is honored to have this wonderful group choose her to be their Chamberlain. They hold a special place in her heart, and she is looking forward to sharing the Winter Carnival experience with them.

Gar was born and raised in Saranac Lake with his 5 siblings and graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1972. He was on the Winter Carnival Court his senior year. He moved to Bloomingdale with his wife Ann and has been married to her for 52 years. He is the father of Brandon, Bryan, twins Melissa and Joseph, and Taylor. Brandon, Bryan and Joseph are all past court members. He has 13 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He worked at several jobs over the years. Alongside his various jobs, he was a passionate wedding photographer for 37 years. He was a sports editor for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, and he also worked for NYS at the Narcotic Addiction Control Commission in Ray Brook. He eventually went to work for his father at J.M. Munn Business Machines, which his father started in 1948. He worked there for 40 years before retiring and becoming a school bus driver for the Saranac Lake Central School District. He was CSEA Employee of the year in 2022-2023. It is clear to all who know him that he loves his job, the students, colleagues, teachers and coaches he has gotten to know over the years. He is thankful to the students and staff for choosing him as archbishop and wishes everyone a fun and safe carnival.

She attended SUNY Cortland, where she received her degree in Physical Education and The United States Sports Academy for her Master's degree in Sport Science and Coaching. Before making her way back to her alma mater, Saranac Lake High School, she taught physical education and coached in Malone, Beekmantown and Lake Placid.

Marla has had the privilege of cruising around town with this year's court as their Driver Education teacher. This year's court holds a special place in her heart. Being chosen by this crew made her heart full; driver ed really allows her to make a special connection with the kids! Having been a member of The Court in 1993, she is very excited to be along for the ride with The Court of 2024. She is looking forward to lots of laughs and fun with The Court during Carnival Week!!!

Our 2024 Winter Carnival Prince is Edwin Rafael Rosales Melara. His hometown is Tegucigalpa, Honduras and he graduated from DelCampo School. Edwin is the son of Edwin Reniery Rosales Melara and Claudia Nohely Melara Nunez. He has a sister Nohely Maria Rosales Melara.

Edwin is currently a Business Management Major at Paul Smiths College with an expected graduation date of 2026. He is currently a Resident Assistant, an Admissions Student Ambassador and a Peer Mentor at Paul Smiths. Edwin also volunteers with the Student Engagement Program. His hobbies include rugby, drawing, piano and guitar. He also enjoys Esports Super Smash Brothers Team.

Edwin’s future plans include attending Graduate School to pursue a PHD in accounting or Finance in order to aid his community and family.

Abby is the daughter of Christine Steven’s-Conover, and also the Granddaughter of Dana & Paul Stevens, and Connie & David Martelle. She is also the older sister of Jaycob Conover.

Abby is a graduate of Saranac Lake High School and resides in Saranac Lake. She is attending North Country Community College majoring in Criminal Justice. Abby is a member of the Women’s soccer and lacrosse teams, and is also a North Country Community College Trustee. She is a past volunteer of the Saranac Lake Fire Department and has donated to the Wigs for Kids program. Her hobbies include reading, collecting vinyl and culturing her little brother in the 80’s classics. Abby’s future plan includes becoming a New York State Trooper.

Kaitlyn is the daughter of Brett and Debi Yando and younger sister to Owen and Brady. Kaitlyn is a 4 year 3 sport athlete participating in several sports throughout high school including lacrosse, basketball, cross country, soccer, volleyball and indoor track. Kaitlyn is vice president of Student Council and she is a member of Key Club. Kaitlyn plans to attend college in the fall majoring in physical education. Kaitlyn thanks her classmates for choosing her to be a part of the Winter Carnival Court this year and hopes everyone has a super spooky Carnival.

Thompson is the son of Jim and Chi Chi Sloan and the middle child to younger brother Emerson and older brother Jamison. Thompson played on the boys’ varsity soccer team this year. Thompson is the president of Student Council and is a member of Key Club. In his free time, Thompson enjoys motorcycling, downhill skiing and weightlifting. Thompson also loves to help his neighbor with yard work and household tasks. Thompson plans to attend college in the fall hoping to pursue a career in interior design. Thompson is very eager and honored to be a part of this year’s Winter Carnival Court.

Addison is the daughter of Josh and Marcie Dann and is the younger sister to Sydney and older sister to Quinlin. Addison is a 4 year, 3 sport athlete competing in soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Addison has been vice president of her class for all four years, is a member of Key Club, National Honor Society, student council and women’s vocal ensemble. Addison plans to attend college in the fall. She is honored to be selected for this year’s court and is looking forward to carrying on this great tradition.

Evan is the son of Joshua and Jessica Willett, older brother to Elias and Ellie. Born and raised in Saranac Lake, Evan has just finished his 7th year of football and was captain of the team. He will be starting his 9th year of Hockey and have his 7th year of baseball in the spring. Evan plans to go to college and play football and study business while also doing ROTC. Evan is very excited to be on court this year and all the memories to come.

Elyse is the daughter of Renee Darrah Hochwald and Scott Hochwald. She is the youngest sibling of Logan, Evan and Tyler. She has participated in several sports during her high school career including softball, basketball, golf, and cross country. Throughout the years Elyse has volunteered for The Fuller Center for Housing in the Adirondacks, chains for the modified football games and highway cleanup. She is a member of women’s Ensemble, Yearbook and is co-Treasurer of the French club. She looks forward to attending college in the fall to study marketing and communication. Elyse is proud to be a part of the 2024 Winter Carnival court and she hopes everyone has a marvelous carnival.

Owen was born and raised in Bloomingdale, son of Kristy Lanthier and Ben Muncil, brother to Hanah Lanthier and former court member Emily Muncil. Owen has just finished his 7th year of football and will have his 5th season of lacrosse this spring. He plans to further his education through UNOTT next fall. Owen is very excited to be on court this year and all the memories to come.

Phoebe is the daughter of Bill and Lynda Peer and the younger sister to Chloe and Quin. Phoebe is a 3 sport athlete, participating in basketball, lacrosse and cross country where she has been captain for 2 years. Phoebe is the treasurer of the class of 2024 and student council, as well as vice president of key club and a member of the National Honor Society. Next year Phoebe plans on attending college and studying inclusive education. In 2015 Phoebe was a winter carnival page and is honored to once again be a part of the Royal Family.

Ryan is the son of Bianna Knapton and Geoffery Sanford. He is also a younger brother to Sean and Mia Sanford. Ryan is a member of the National Honor Society and an athlete that participates in Saranac Lake’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs. He plans to go into a career of science of technology. In his free time, he is an audio engineer, a weight lifter, and works at Bitters and Bones. Ryan wishes everyone a safe and fun winter carnival!

Ayla is the daughter of Jennifer and Tony Small. She is the sister to Jackson, Marley and Harper. She has been president of her class for the past two years and a member of National Honor Society and Key Club. Ayla has been a 3 sport athlete all throughout high school playing soccer, basketball, and softball. She is a student in the New Visions Education Program and hopes to teach in the future. Ayla was a page in 2015 and is excited to experience winter carnival again as a court member. She hopes everyone has a spooky carnival!

Carter is the son of CJ and Tammy Nicastro and older brother to Libby. Carter participates in football and baseball being named a captain for Red Storm last football season. Carter was also accepted into the New Visions education program and plans on attending college in the fall. Carter is grateful to his peers for selecting him for the 2024 winter carnival court and hopes everyone has a safe carnival!

Nelle is the daughter of Hadley Kruczek-Aaron and Kenneth Aaron and the older sister to Miles. Nelle is a 4 year, 3 sport athlete competing in Nordic skiing, lacrosse, and is the co-captain to her cross country team. Nelle is the secretary of Key Club and a member of National Honor Society, student council, and the school jazz band. Nelle is currently involved in New Vision Education and is looking forward to attending college in the fall to pursue her dream of being a teacher. Nelle is extremely honored and excited to be a part of this year’s court and wishes everyone a happy carnival!

Nash is the son of Angela and Donald Carlisto and the younger brother of Harrison and Jackson. Nash has played high school soccer and tennis for the past 4 years and was named a captain of the soccer team this past season. Nash also participates in men’s ensemble and the annual school musical. Nash is an officer in the National Honor Society and a member of many clubs at the high school. He plans on attending college next fall to study communications. Nash wishes everyone a safe and awesome carnival.

Sabine is the daughter of Erika and Jeffrey Denkenberger and the older sister to Mikkel and Emmerich. She is a 3 season athlete, participating in cross country, basketball, and Lacrosse. She participates in band, jazz bank, National Honor Society and is secretary of her class, president of Key Club and treasurer of Green Cub and French Club. She also volunteers in helping to plan the Wild Center’s Youth Climate Summit in the fall. Sabine is currently in the New Visions Health program and plans to attend college in the fall on pre-med track. She is excited to be a part of this year’s court and hopes everyone has a spooky carnival!

Brady is the son of Jennifer and Mark Owens, younger brother to Lizzie and the grandson of Bill and Gail Kissel. Brady is a 4 year athlete in football and basketball. He is involved in extracurricular activities including key club and student council. He plans to go to college in the fall to further his education. Brady was a 2015 winter carnival page and is excited and honored to have been selected by his peers to be a part of this court. He wishes everyone a great carnival.