For over seven decades College of Saint Mary has recognized students who  reveal the values of character, leadership and service through their annual “Queen of Hearts” recognition banquet, sponsored by the Student Senate.

Patricia McManaman Cockerill `47 was the first to receive this notable honor, 66 years ago. Ms. Cockerill, of Spalding, Neb., joined College of Saint to crown the 2012 Queen of Hearts and her court on Saturday, February 25 at 7 p.m. The 2012 Queen of Hearts went to Clare Huerter, a senior English and Secondary Education major from Omaha, Neb. Senior-class finalists were T'Essence Bessick, Biology major from Omaha, Neb., and Marcie Minchow, a Rehabilitation Studies major from Lincoln, Neb.

The "Queen of Hearts" is selected by students, faculty and staff through a campus-wide election. In addition to the “Queen of Hearts,” a “Princess” is selected for first, second and third year students. 

For third-year, the honor of princess was given to Hannah Thompson, an Occupational Therapy major from Salem, Neb., Ana Aguilar a Nursing major from Schuyler, Neb., and Anahi Salazar, an Early Childhood Education major from Omaha, Neb., were junior-class finalists.

Second year Princess was Jenna Koch a nursing major from Odell, Neb. Sophomore class finalists were Maryann Forsell, Biology & Chemistry major from Norfolk, Neb., and Patricia Ocampo, a Business Analytics & Communications major from Los Molinos, Calif.

First-year Princess was Francis Ocampo from Los Molinos, Calif., who is studying Biology. First-year finalists were Maria Rubio a Business Analytics & Communications major from Denison, Iowa and Allie Tanner, who has not declared a major from Elkhorn, Neb.