Princess Natalie is the daughter of Erin Barstad and Dan Conn and has just finished her junior year at Sweet Home High School.
She attended both Oak Heights and Hawthorne schools. “My favorite teacher from Hawthorne would be Mr. Long, and my favorite from Oak Heights would definitely be Mrs. Rehart. My favorite memory from Hawthorne would be playing kickball as a class with Mr. Long. My favorite from Oak Heights would be all of the school functions that we would have, like the assemblies and the dances.
She has three siblings: Taylor, 31; Lane, 23; and Lewis, 20.
Favorite Activities? Job?
I have been a cheerleader – competitive and football season – every year of high school. I played softball my sophomore year, and I have been involved in Future Farmers of America since my sophomore year.
I love going fishing, and swimming at the lake. I enjoy going for drives in the hills and walks and hikes around the lake. I enjoy having dinner at The Point; I love their burgers. I love all of our restaurants and coffee shops. I’m always down to get a drink from a coffee shop and go for a drive. I always enjoy all the events we have here in town and I love participating in all of the volunteerism and events that we have!
During the school year, every Sunday I babysit from 4 to 8 at Community Chapel. In the summer I have worked on a farm, doing chores and cutting fields.
What is your favorite thing about living in Sweet Home?
All of the views! They are all so beautiful and there are so many scenic places you can visit to get the best views. I also LOVE the community; there’s something about Sweet Home that is so special. If someone is hurt/having a hard time/in need, etc., we always come together as a community to help them.
Why did you join the Sportsman’s Holiday Court?
Everyone comes together and makes it so much fun and enjoyable. The look that we help give Sweet Home, and the fact that we can go out and help our town be known. Also, how awesome it looks: past years of princesses always look so good, put together, and that they are having a great time doing everything.
What are you looking forward to during Sportsman’s Holiday?
The logger Olympics. It’s my favorite tradition Sweet Home does. I’ve always gone and had a fun time. My brother also competes in it, so I enjoy watching him. I also love not just that but the parade, although it’s always hot; it’s super fun and always so cute. I really enjoy Cut the Gut – my dad and mom are both in it and I love riding with them through the town!
What charity/nonprofit did you choose to advocate for and why?
Meals on Wheels. What made me choose this charity was my love for the elderly. And not just that because Meals on Wheels does a lot more than just feed the elderly. They become family with them, they treat them with love and kindness as they do us. While I was volunteering, it was the best volunteer work I have ever done. They are the sweetest people, with the kindest soul.
If you had one day to show someone the best day ever in Sweet Home, what would that day look like?
I and my friend – we will call her Sam – wake up bright and early, 5 a.m. We walk outside and sip coffee, or any morning drink you like to have, as we watch the sunrise. I tell her about how awesome it is to live here. After we finish the sunrise, we get ready and head to brunch at our lovely Taylor Made cafe. We sit and eat a lovely meal of biscuits and gravy. After breakfast/lunch I take her to the coffee shop of her choice after I tell her everything about each one of them.
Once we get our drinks, we head to the lake for some awesome afternoon fishing! After we catch a couple of fish, I decide that it would be awesome to show her around on a hike. I take her McDowell Creek and show her how beautiful it is up there. Once we finish our hike we head to dinner at the lovely Point for some Miner Ranch burgers! After dinner, we go and sit at the lake viewpoint and watch the sunset.
What advice would you give a younger “you” about school, friendships, other choices?
I would tell them that some things end, including friendships, and that it will be hard but you will learn that it’s for the best. For school, I would tell them that they need to give more than what they can;no matter what, always give more than you can.
Do you have an adult figure who has inspired you? If so, who is that and why?
My favorite coach is Taylor Bach, she has strengthened me into a better athlete and, truthfully, brought my love for the sport back after I struggled with it for a while. She has helped me grow as an athlete and an individual and is always there for me and everyone around her when needed.
What is your favorite subject in school and what are your goals for your final year of high school?
Veterinary science. I was taught all sorts of things from animal breeds, to giving shots. I love animals, so it was very fun. A personal goal for myself next year would definitely be keeping all A’s both semesters, meeting new people, and not procrastinating on assignments.