By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
One of Wynford’s own has a chance to represent Ohio and the region at the Autozone Liberty Bowl in Memphis on Dec. 30.
Wynford’s Fall Homecoming Queen Hannah Crabtree was chosen through an application she had filled out for America’s Homecoming Queen that had been sent to Wynford. In the application Crabtree had to include information on her academics, accomplishments, community service, and hobbies.
Crabtree explained the selection process for the contest and how she felt when she was given the opportunity.
“After you get selected as Homecoming Queen you get an invitation to sign up for the America’s Homecoming Queen, which is an association where they take young girls that they want to pick leaders that they think should be given scholarships to be a leader,” Crabtree said. “The first step is to be the Ohio Homecoming Queen, which you go through the entire interview process, which I have signed up for, but haven’t had my interview yet, so that will be later next year. Then next year I would go to the America’s Homecoming Queen Pageant to compete in that.
“I was very honored and proud to be able to represent my region and my state, and I was just so blessed to be given this opportunity to better myself and my experience,” Crabtree continued.
While Crabtree is honored for the selection, she still has one hurdle ahead of her in that she needs to find either a personal or business sponsor to help her get to the game.
“I come from a family of five, so money is tight for us, and we live paycheck to paycheck. My mom she is so amazing, and she tries her hardest to give me every opportunity that I can take,” Crabtree explained. “She does fundraisers for me, but right now money is very, very tight, so we are trying to find sponsors to help me get to the Autozone Liberty Bowl, so I wouldn’t be able to miss out on the opportunity.”
Assuming Crabtree makes it to Memphis for the festivities, Crabtree explained what will take place when she gets down to the Volunteer State.
“It is a three-day event. What will happen is I will get to Memphis. The first night I will have orientation with all of the other homecoming queens from their state. Kind of like a meet and greet, and we will talk through the whole entire process,” Crabtree said. “The next day I get to go to St. Jude Hospital, and I get to have a luncheon with the kids there, and I get to talk to the kids, and tell them about my story and that they can be a leader, too. I will then go to the Autozone Liberty Bowl Parade, and ride on a float with all of the other queens. Then later on that day I will go to the Autozone Liberty Bowl, and I will have a half-time performance and pregame. The next day will be say your goodbyes, and then I will go home.”
While she hasn’t made it to Memphis quite yet, Crabtree noted that the opportunity makes her feel blessed.
“I didn’t think I would be selected at all, being a small town girl. So it took me by surprise that I did. I entered it just to see where God takes me, and I am very blessed that I got the opportunity.”
Those interested in sponsoring Crabtree should contact her mother, Shawn Crabtree, at 419-310-1305, or Crabtree via email at crabtreemariehannah@gmail.com.