New Dairy Princess crowned, alternates. promotion team named

The newly crowned 2008-2009 Franklin County Dairy Princess Hailey Martin (second from right) is joined by Alternate Princesses, from left: Sheena Wingert, Brooke Heckman and Courtney Hykes.

KAUFFMAN - Hailey Martin, 16, an incoming sophomore at James Buchanan High School was crowned the 2008- 09 Franklin County Dairy Princess Saturday, June 28 during the annual pageant held at the Kauffman Ruritan Community Center.

The pageant is sponsored by the Franklin County Dairy Promotion Committee.

The daughter of Jerry Martin and granddaughter of Eugene and Sherry Martin, Hailey of Mercersburg, will represent the dairy industry for the coming year along with three alternates, who also competed for the title: Brooke Heckman of Mercersburg, Courtney Hykes of Greencastle and Sheena Wingert of Mercersburg.

Also assisting with the promotional activities will be a group of Dairy Misses and Dairy Ambassadors: Quinn Cashell, Grace Crider, Lucy Crider, Renee Grove, Amanda Hege, Stephanie Hykes, Jesse Kline, Samantha Meyers, Hunter Miller, Lily Rodas, Corrine Statler and Emily Wingert.

During her skit, Hailey portrayed a teacher wondering what lesson to use. Since June is Dairy Month, dairy was selected. Points of the lesson included information on the nutritional value of milk and dairy products.

"Dairy is the smallest, but most important part of the food pyramid," stated the contestant posing as a teacher.

Hailey explained the valuable nutrients in dairy products, including calcium for strong bones, and the importance of eating 3-A-Day of dairy. Before ending the teaching session, Hailey tipped off the students (audience) that "a pop quiz would be given tomorrow."

The new princess was crowned by 2007-2008 Franklin County Dairy Princess Stephanie Hykes of Greencastle.

Stephanie issued many thanks to numerous people during her farewell speech. She spoke of all she had learned during the year and of her growing dedication to promoting the industry.

"Remember don't ask what the dairy industry can do for you, ask what you can do for the dairy industry," Stephanie said.

Amanda Koons, who served as the 2005-2006 Franklin County Dairy Princess was the mistress of ceremonies. Sarah Signore, the 2006-2007 Franklin County Dairy Princess, served as the stage manager for the pageant.

The new county dairy princess will attend the Franklin County Career and Technology Center in the fall and her plans after high school are to study nursing or agriculture. In high school Hailey is a member of the FFA and serves as the assistant secretary.

She is a member of the Western 4-H Dairy Club, where she is the secretary. Hailey owns 10 dairy animals. Hailey is employed at the family farm, Sher- Lee Farms, and Whitetail Mountain Resort.

Hailey's interests and hobbies include playing basketball and softball, snowboarding, mudding, tractor pulls, Dodge trucks, tanning, swimming and cows.

The family farm, Sher-Lee Farms, which has been in the family for 20 years, consists of a 295-head herd of Jersey, Holstein, Brown Swiss and Guernsey. They produce corn and alfalfa on 650 acres.

In her speech to the audience, Hailey spoke of the history of dairy farming and the nutritional value of the products.

"One little word can have so many meanings and a lot of history," said Hailey.

"Dairy is just one little word that is a part of the whole world. So when you see the black and white cows or the red barns that is just one part of a huge industry that is changing every day right in front of your eyes."

Contestants were judged on appearance, speaking ability, poise and personality and dairy industry knowledge.

In addition to personal interviews, stage interviews, skits and speeches, contestants were asked an impromptu question prepared by the judges concerning how they would encourage teens to consume products that include the "Real" seal.

In her answer, Hailey remarked she would accentuate to them that in order to do athletics, teens need to consume lots of calcium, something found abundantly in milk and dairy products.

The Earl Strine Memorial Award, given to the contestant with the highest score for the skit presentation, went to Courtney Hykes. Courtney presented her skit as Rosie the Rapping Cow.

Strine was a longtime worker for dairy promotion in Franklin County and served as emcee of the pageant for many years.