For nearly a year now, Franchesca Aloi has worn the crown of Regina Maria XLVI, representing the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival and the generations of Italian American tradition it celebrates.

Aloi is a Farmington native with family roots tracing back to Sicily and Calabria. Aloi stepped into the role with a deep appreciation for her heritage and the West Virginia community she calls home.

Now, with the 2026 West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival just weeks away and the coronation of Regina Maria XLVII approaching, Aloi’s time with the crown is drawing to a close. Before passing the torch to the next young woman who will carry on the tradition, Aloi is taking a moment to look back on a year filled with memories, meaningful connections and an even deeper appreciation for the heritage the crown represents.

“It was very impactful in many ways,” Aloi said. “It wasn’t necessarily about me, but more about my family. That was the first time an Aloi had ever been selected, and my family has been coming to the festival ever since it started.

“Something special about my reign was that my grandfather Donald Aloi Sr. had been coming to the festival forever, and my crowning during last year’s festival was also his last festival. I remember always loving to come to the festival as a kid and trying to get my friends to come up and celebrate our heritage with me.

“This festival has been a part of my life, and to be an ambassador has been a true honor and privilege. I’ve also been very involved with the Mass Choir with Stephen Pishner. For the last five festivals I have been a showcase singer on the main stage where I would sing 10-to-45-minute sets of my own music. Throughout this year I have also traveled a lot. All of it was voluntary and I had over 40 official appearances. First, I took a tour of Sicily then made my way to San Giovanni in Fiore where I met the Cimino family and through their connections had the honor of singing at Holy Mass in San Giovanni. Another appearance that was notable was attending the Columbus Day parade in New York City. Which was canceled for the first time ever unfortunately. But I still made the most of it and attend events regarding the Columbus Day parade festivities and was still able to spread the message about the festival.”

In addition to serving as Regina Maria XLVI, Aloi serves as a history teacher and singer which she says helps her in a role such as this one.

“Being a teacher and Regina Maria what beautiful thing. Those two go really well together. It does go hand in hand because as Regina Maria you are a role model, as a teacher you are a role model,” she said.

Aloi also got her master’s degree in education back in December from Point Park University.

As Aloi prepares to pass the crown to Regina Maria XLVII, she offered a piece of advice she hopes the next queen will carry with her throughout her reign.

“I would tell her to live in the moment because it does go by fast, and I would tell her to learn all she can about her roots,” Aloi said. “Because one day, she will look back and hopefully be proud of what she did as Regina Maria.”

When Aloi looks back on her own time as Regina Maria XLVI years from now, she said it will be the people she met and the connections she made that stand out most.

“What I will remember the most is the people,” she said. “I have met so many wonderful people who love their heritage and their faith. They have grit. I have made wonderful acquaintances throughout this journey, and I have learned just how vast our heritage is through other people. I’ve gotten to see so many different points of view, and I have even gone out of my way to read books, learn and educate myself on all that I could.”

For Aloi, the experience of serving as Regina Maria does not end when the crown is passed to her successor.

“The work also doesn’t stop with the crown,” she said. “It is something that stays with you for the rest of your life.”

With the 47th Italian Heritage Festival nearing its start, Aloi said she is excited for the celebration and everything that comes with it.

“I am looking forward to the energy and the atmosphere the festival brings,” she said. “There are always friends and family I get to see, good food, good spirits, and it is just really special every year, especially during Labor Day weekend.”

As her reign draws to a close, Aloi also expressed her gratitude to the family members who have supported her throughout the journey.

“I want to give a shoutout to my Nunna Diane Aloi for being my main support, main motivator and my role model,” she said. “Shoutout to my parents, Teresa and Nick Aloi, for their support. Also, my aunt Amber and uncle Jul for giving me support as well.”

Aloi also thanked her cousin, Julian Aloi, who served as her crown bearer, and reflected on the importance of family during a challenging year.

“My cousin Julian Aloi was my crown bearer—it meant a lot to me,” she said. “We have been through a lot this year, and I’m so glad we have each other, with love, support and faith.”