CROWNING MOMENTS
Hannah Krenek claims title of 2008 Youth Fair Queen
By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com
When it came to the final moment, Hannah Krenek was the judges' choice as 2008 Wharton County Youth Fair Queen. The evening event was the last of three royalty pageants held in Crescent Hall Sunday, May 4.

Hannah Krenek of Boling was crowned as the 2008 WCYF Queen during Sunday evening's pageant in Crescent Hall. Runners-up, Miss Congeniality and Queens of Tickets Sales are pictured on Page 8-C. L-N Photos by Quala Matocha

The 2007 Queen Kelli Ermis, Fair President Darrel Kutach and new Little Mr. Zachary Clifton, Little Miss Sanae Brandes and Junior Miss Cydni Rod were there to congratulate Krenek, the 17-year-old daughter of Gerard and Theresa Krenek. Krenek is an 11th grade student at Boling High School.

First runner-up went to Sara Lopez of Boling, daughter of Joel and Carrie Lopez. Second runner-up was Nicki Sablatura of El Campo, daughter of Mark and Judy Sablatura. Bethany Weinheimer claimed the titles of Queen of Tickets Sales and Miss Congeniality. Sara Lopez came in second place with ticket sales. The Director's Award will be presented at the Awards Banquet May 9.

For the first year ever, these seven contestants exceeded the amount sold in season passes, bringing in more than $32,000 from their sale.

Other contestants were Kristen L. Johnson of Louise, daughter of John and Melanie Hart; Danielle Rachunek of Wharton, daughter of Timothy and Laurianne Rachunek; and Gina Wuthrich of Wharton, daughter of Philip and Jalene Wuthrich.

Girls modeled the Western attire of their choice, with no formalwear presentation. The girls gave self-introductions as emcee Debbie Chappell read their accomplishments.

Each girl had to give a 15-second commercial for the Youth Fair, and were also given impromptu questions such as their biggest challenge, the season that best represents their personality, a project to implement and personal descriptions of self. For Krenek, her response to "How would your friends describe you?" was, "I hope they would say I was kind and honest and that I'm always there for them." As first runner-up Lopez had to describe herself in two words, she said, "bright and funny."

Sablatura, second runner-up, was asked what sort of project would she start if she could. She responded by explaining the importance of building TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research Foundation) in the area, because her uncle receives care through TIRR in Houston.

Being fair royalty is nothing new for Krenek, who was the 2003 Junior Miss. She is very involved in the fair where she exhibits goats and penof three heifers and competes with her creative arts projects.

She has participated in the 4-H fashion show winning first place at the state level. She serves as third vice chair for 4-H District 11 Council. She also participates in the 4-H exchange program and qualified for the 2008 state food show.

Krenek's school involvement includes serving as student council treasurer, color guard captain, FFA secretary and being a member of the National Honor Society. She has received other honors at Boling High, serves as alcolyte at St. John's Catholic Church and has provided donations to Habitat for Humanity and constructed turbans for cancer patients at the Wharton Cancer Center and M.D. Anderson.

Singing entertainment was provided by Alexis Cooper of El Campo. Committee persons for the Queen's contest were Dianne Gertson, Keith Ermis, Kim Melanson, Peter Stelzel, Ed Vacek, Wendy Hurta, Jackie Watz, Holly Vesley and Mandi Brasher.