Abby Knight
For The New Era
Stefani Crocker has wanted to be a member of the Sportsman’s Holiday Court ever since she was little.
She took that dream one step further Thursday, July 6, when she was crowned Queen at the annual coronation ceremony.
Crocker also had the distinction of selling the most raffle tickets; of the 6,000 tickets sold, 2,700 were sold by her.
“I feel honored,” she said after being crowned. Her favorite part of the entire experience was meeting people and getting involved, she said.
“It was more work than I expected, but it was worth it.”
Crocker, 17, is the daughter of Tim and Karolyn Crocker and has a younger brother, Brock. She will be a senior at Sweet Home High School in the fall, where she participates in cheerleading, dance team, and student government.
The princesses were judged in several different categories, including poise, ticket sales, and event participation.
At Thursday’s coronation, each girl was asked to give a speech on the topic “Describe your idea of a contemporary woman and how she would be a good role model today.”
Crocker’s speech emphasized her idea that “it is important for a woman to have a strong, assertive, positive opinion.”
Also receiving a crown at the coronation were First Princess Sam Pierce and Miss Congeniality Julie Burcham.
Pierce, the daughter of Dave and Beth Lambert, said she has most enjoyed “the parades, and hanging out with the other princesses.”
About being voted Miss Congeniality, Burcham said, “I was surprised; it means more to me than being queen because my peers chose me.” Burcham is the daughter of Karla Burcham.
Rounding out the court are Princesses Olivia Lake, Tabby Trahan, and McKenzie Walker.