WCYF names royalty
Krenek wins title of queen at this year's youth fair
By QUALA MATOCHA news@journal-spectator.com

Staff Photo by Quala Motocha Pictured in the 2008 WCYF Queen's Court are, from left, Bethany Weinheimer of El Campo, Queen of Ticket Sales and Miss Congeniality; Nicki Sablatura of El Campo, second runner-up; 2008 WCYF Queen Hannah Krenek of Boling; Sara Lopez of Boling, first runner-up and second in Queen of Ticket Sales; and Kelli Ermis, last year's queen.

When it came to the final moment, Hannah Krenek of Boling is the judges' choice for 2008 WCYF Queen. The evening event was the last of three royalty pageants held in Crescent Hall Sunday, May 4.

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 the sale of season passes.

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 formal-wear 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

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.