Mar. 2, 2009 02:48 PM
The Chandler Republic

A Chandler woman who won the titles of 2009 Arizona Rose and Arizona Colleen will represent the state in the 50th annual Rose of Tralee International Festival in Ireland.

Alexis Hodel will be one of 50 women with the title of "rose" representing Irish centers from around the world. County Kerry hosts a series of events each August, including an elaborate parade with 60,000 attendees and culminating in two nationally televised programs with a viewing audience of 900,000.

The group of 50 "roses" will be narrowed to 32 women who will appear on Ireland's national television on Aug. 25 and 26.

Crowned with the dual title of 2009 Arizona Colleen and Arizona Rose, Hodel,20, is sponsored by Heritage Partners Murphy's Law Irish Pub in Chandler and the Bracken School of Irish Dance.

She is pursuing her degree in kinesiology at Arizona State University, while working as an Irish dance instructor at Bracken School.

Hodel is a four-time consecutive world qualifier in Irish dance and has competed in Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and across the United States.

She plays piano and was a member of the Phoenix Girls' Choir.

For the rose competition, she narrated a video she prepared highlighting her background in music, sports, and Irish dance, and then performed hard shoe to "Breakout" by Lord of the Dance.

As Arizona Colleen, Hodel serves as a spokeswoman for the Irish community in area events, and will be the Queen of the Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire on March 14.

Hodel's first official appearance was Saturday at the Sister City signing between the City of Chandler and Tullamore, Ireland.

"Colleen" refers to an Irish maiden reflecting that contestants must have some Irish ancestry, be single, without children, ages 18-27, and are judged on poise, communication skills, and talent.
In identifying exceptional female communicators, a short essay is also required as a tribute to the great Irish writers and poets like C.S. Lewis and W.B. Yeats. The prize package includes a 12-day trip to Ireland; $1,000 scholarship; on-camera TV coaching with local celebrities; guest of the Queen at the Arizona Renaissance Festival during Celtic Weekend March 15; and other gifts.

Alliance Beverage, Diageo - Guinness USA, and Rula Bula Irish Pub in Tempe are among the 2009 Arizona Rose sponsors. To make a donation, contact Ann at 602-568-3455 or ann@azcolleen.org for details.

The 2009 Rose of Tralee will receive a prize worth $40,000 to fund a year of worldwide travel that includes fares and accommodation, a generous clothes allowance and spending money. She will receive the use of a car during her reign.