Meet the International Festival princesses: Maria Kantouros, Greek princess

Maria Kantouras, 19, Greek princess (Photo by Tom Mahl, The Chronicle-Telegram)

Name: Maria Kantouros

Nationality: Greek

Listen to Maria introduce herself. (Audio courtesy of WEOL.)

Age: 19

Sponsor: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Parents: George and Alice Kantouros

High school: 2009 graduate of Marion L. Steele High School

College: “Attending the University of Toledo in the fall.”

Future plans: “Attend the University of Toledo and become a nurse practitioner.”

Costume: “Traditional costume worn by the women from the island of Crete.”

Roots: Greek-American

Favorite ethnic food: souvlaki with rice pilaf

Favorite musician: Keith Urban

Favorite book: “Kite Runner”

A message from Maria: “Being a Greek princess gives me the opportunity to show people the meaning of Greek culture. It feels good to proudly represent my church, community and family members back in Greece.”