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Nine ready to take on the world

By AMY SCHERZER
Published August 4, 2006

TAMPA - Proud fathers waltzing with debutante daughters capped off an emotional evening for the Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago. They wondered, when did their little girls grow up to be such accomplished young women? Knight George Diaz, chairman of Saturday's 34th annual Debutante Ball, set the formal pageant in Old Vienna, decorating the Indian Conference Center for "A Night in the Schonbrunn Palace." "I attended a ball there when I was in the Army and was striving for that kind of gold and silver elegance," said Diaz, who has decorated just about every debutante and coronation ball for 32 years. El Rey XXXIV Ray Grimaldi and La Reina XXXIV Jessica Gonzmart and more than 600 guests enjoyed an open bar as they listened to the biographies and career aspirations of the nine debutantes. Medicine, nursing, law and fashion were top choices.

Newly elected El Baron XXXIII Vincent Mandese made his first appearance. Nine junior attendants assisted the debutantes who curtseyed to the throne and their mothers. The celebration continued with dinner and dancing. Meet the 2006 Sant' Yago debs: - AMY SCHERZER, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Katie Barger, daughter of Mary Anne and Squire Stephen J. Barger, was escorted by Michael Alfaro. Her attendant was Julia Mari Quintiliani. Katie attends Johnson-Wales University in Charlotte, N.C.

Chantal Nicole Blanco, daughter of Ruben Blanco and Patricia Ann Ciccarello, was presented by her stepfather Squire Rene Ciccarello and escorted by her brother Rene Ciccarello Jr. Her attendant was her cousin, Sarah Ciccarello. A Plant High grad, Chantal attends the University of South Florida and hopes to go to medical school to specialize in forensic psychiatry.

Brittany Marie Canasi, daughter of El Rey XX Simon Canasi and Selina Canasi-Huesca, was escorted by her brother Alexander Canasi. Her attendant was Mia Rene Huesca. The Tampa Catholic High graduate attends Florida State University and plans to go to law school.

Stephanie Rose Conte, daughter of Debbie and El Baron XXV Randy Conte, escorted by Vince Garcia. Her attendant was Natalie Rose Garcia. The Tampa Catholic High grad attends Hillsborough Community College and plans to transfer to Florida State University to study nursing.

Alyssa Renee Kranjec, daughter of Randell and Angela Kranjec, was escorted by Luis Aguila. Her attendant was Chandler McKnight. A senior at Gaither High, Alyssa plans to attend USF to earn a degree in nursing.

Richelle Lynn Marotta, daughter of Gail and Richard Marotta, was escorted by Patrick Scott Anderson. Her attendant was Hayley Savannah Martinez. The Gaither High grad attends USF and hopes to work in the medical field.

Gabrielle Garceau Noriega, the daughter of Andrea and Michael Noriega and granddaughter of Knight Fernando Noriega, was escorted by Kyle Taylor. Her attendant was Isabella Laurato. A senior at Blake High, Gabrielle plans to study medicine.

Michelle Anne Raymondo, daughter of El Baron XXXIII Michael and Valerie Raymondo, was escorted by Cory Quintilliani. Her attendant was Francesca Betts. Michelle is a senior at Alonso High School.

Amanda Nichole Rodriguez, daughter of Deborah and Roger O. Rodriguez, was escorted by her brother Roger Rodriguez Jr. Her attendant was her sister Delaney. A Tampa Catholic High grad, Amanda attends HCC.

[Last modified August 3, 2006, 11:07:12]