It takes more than a pretty face to be the queen of San Gennaro. It takes a commitment to service and community advocacy, so it makes perfect sense that this year’s queen of the 92nd annual Feast of San Gennaro is Marieteresa Porcher. And it seems no one is prouder of the 15-year-old than her mother, Karenbeatrice Porcher, whose family is from Sicily.

“Her being in this parade is so amazing.” Karenbeatrice said. “I know my grandmother’s looking down like, ‘Wow,’ because she’s watched the parade. My whole family watched it and the procession when they were down there (Little Italy) for years. She’s the first (queen) ever, so this is huge. They’d be in shock.”