Devisha Patel was crowned the 2013 Laurel Queen following the parade down Main Street in Winsted as part of the 79th annual Laurel Festival.

Patel, a senior at Gilbert School, was sponsored by the Winsted Rotary Club. She traveled the parade route in a vintage white Volkswagen Beetle.

Emily Owens, a senior at Gilbert School who was sponsored by Infinity Music Hall and Bistro, was named first runner up. Mackenzie Russo, also a senior at Gilbert School who was sponsored by Bowen Agency, was named second runner up.

Patel was awarded a $1,200 scholarship from the Laurel City Commission. Owens was awarded a $1,000 scholarship and Russo received an $800 scholarship.

“I didn’t expect to win,” Patel said. “It feels really great that all of my hard work has paid off. The experience was amazing.”

Bethany Scott, the 2012 Laurel Queen, relinquished her crown and title to Patel after holding it for the previous year.

“I’ve loved every minute of it,” said Scott. “The scholarship helped me pay for my year in college. I want to say a big thank you to the Town of Winsted.”

Patel’s first appearance as Laurel Queen will take place next weekend on Father’s Day at the Winchester Grange’s Strawberry Festival. The event will take place June 16 at 2 p.m. at the Grange Hall on the Green in Winchester Center, 100 Newfield Rd.

Ten other local girls participated in this year’s Laurel Festival. Taylor Carfiro was sponsored by ERA Property Center. Emily Reiss was sponsored by Lime Rock Park. Shelby Goodell was sponsored by the Winsted Fire Department. Ciara DiVita was sponsored by Russel Davenport Co. Emily Mochak was sponsored by the Highland Lake Watershed Association. Isabella Panagakos was sponsored by Crystal Peak Banquet Hall. Brittany Kazlauskas was sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Brittany Machowski was sponsored by Winsted Elks Lodge No. 844. Josie Valickis was sponsored by McGrane’s on the Green. Cassidy Morneau was sponsored by the New Hartford Diner.

The girls were judged on personality, poise and appearance, achievements and extracurricular activities and an interview.

Kazlauskas and the Daughters of the American Revolution won the prize for best laurels on a car. Mochak and the Highland Lake Watershed Association won the prize for best laurels on a float.