Cydni Rod becomes new WCYF Junior Miss
By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com
Cydni Rod's first wish came true Sunday afternoon, May 4, as she was crowned 2008 Wharton County Youth Fair Junior Miss. In response to an impromptu question: "If you had three wishes what would they be?," her first answer was to win the pageant, and she did. Rod is the daughter of Ken and Melissa Rod of El Campo.

Moments after she received her crown and bouquet of red roses, Junior Miss Cydni Rod of El Campo poses with 2007 Junior Miss Abby Herndon during Sunday afternoon's pageant in Crescent Hall. A group photo of winners is on Page 8-C.

Hats were off to all the girls as WCYF President Darrel Kutach tipped his cowboy hat and welcomed everyone.

"Greetings! Our youth is our strength and support and that is the reason we exist," he said.

A stage of red, white and blue banners and straw hats further emphasized the theme: "Hats Off to the Youth of Wharton County."

First runner-up was Natalie Nohavitza of El Campo, daughter of Jeff and Susan Nohavitza. Shelby Stary of El Campo, daughter of Glenn and Mandy Stary, was second runner-up. Third runner-up was Hannah Kulak of Boling, daughter of Steven and Tonya Kulak; and fourth runner-up Haley Socha of East Bernard, daughter of Ron and Sharon Socha. Socha also won Queen of Ticket Sales and was the program cover design winner. Stary was named "Easiest to Get Along With," an honor voted on by all the Junior Miss contestants.

Together, the 10 contestants brought in $6,176 in prize drawing ticket sales and sold a combined total of 1,238 tickets.

For the first time this year, girls were allowed to wear the Western attire of their choice. Each gave self introductions and modeled on stage. Another first was having outgoing WCYF Queen Kelli Ermis, assisted by her father Dr. Keith Ermis, serve as emcee for the event. The fair hopes to continue this tradition for the Junior Miss pageant.

WCYF 2007 Junior Miss Abby Herndon gave her final presentation before assisting Ermis in asking each finalist a question and then crowning Rod as the 2008 Junior Miss. Rod's other two wishes were for the fair to be more about the youth and people not coming out just to drink and thirdly, to just enjoy living her life and having a good time.

Rod, age 11, is a fifth grader at Northside Elementary in El Campo where she is on the A honor roll and in the gifted and talented class. She is involved in music and art. Rod is a member of the 4-H Saddle Club and participates in dairy, swine and beef projects at the fair, as well as livestock and dairy judging.

Rod also shows Longhorns at major shows during the year. At the fair, she volunteers at the Learning Center. She enjoys showing her animals, athletic cheerleading and playing baseball. Rod is a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Taiton where she participates in community service projects and fundraisers.

Other contestants were Kortlan Bell of Boling, daughter of Kevin Reitz and Kristi Hall; MaKayla Hobbs of Boling, daughter of Timmy Hobbs and Wanda Hobbs; Shelby Bock of Boling, daughter of Kevin and Kelli Bannert; Terra Cook of El Campo, daughter of Kelly and Shelly Cook; and Allison Hobbs of Boling, daughter of Timmy Hobbs and Wanda Hobbs.

This year's Junior Miss pageant includes committee members Dianne Gertson, Theresa Krenek, Peter Stelzel, Robin Stelzel, Gerard Krenek, Ed Vacek, Linda Vincek, Wendy Hurta, Judy Sablatura, Gary Vincek and Keith Ermis.