The American Beekeeping Federation is proud to announce that Delanie Craighead and Oceanna Escribano were selected as the 2026 American Honey Queen and Princess.
Queen Delanie is the daughter of Don and Laurie Craighead of Descanso, California. She is a graduate of the University of California, Davis, and earned a bachelor’s degree in animal biology and a minor in veterinary medical entomology. Delanie previously worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in South America and now works as a kennel attendant at a doggy daycare.
Princess Oceanna is the daughter of Neville and Leslie Escribano of San Antonio, Texas. She is a 2025 graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in plant biology and a minor in French. Her undergraduate research focused on the medicinal properties of honey, and honey bee behavior during the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses. Oceanna is an apprentice beekeeper through the Texas Master Beekeeper Program and plans to pursue a career in dentistry.
Delanie and Oceanna will spend the next year promoting the beekeeping industry throughout the United States in a wide variety of venues, including fairs, festivals, schools, media interviews, and virtual presentations. To schedule an appearance or presentation with American Honey Queen Delanie Craighead or American Honey Princess Oceanna Escribano, please contact American Honey Queen Program Chairperson Anna Kettlewell at 414.545.5514 or honeyqueen99@hotmail.com.
