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Tomato Festival crowns new queen
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| Photo courtesy of Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival |
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First attendant Skye Leasure and Tomato Festival queen Alexandra Franke
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The Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival's Royalty Committee announced its queen and court as part of the festival's 45th annual celebration. The event was hosted by Mikaela Hunt-Thorpe, co-anchor of NBC 4 Today, and 2009-2010 Tomato Festival Queen Katie Rettig.
The Tomato Festival Queen for 2010-2011 is Reynoldsburg High School senior Alexandra Franke, daughter of Mary Franke of Reynoldsburg. Comprising the royalty lineup for 2010-2011 are: First Attendant Skye Leasure, Little Princess Piper Ogden, Princess Attendant Carson Barry, and Senior King and Queen Dan and Dorothy Nawrocki.
Franke said in her biographical speech to festival-goers that her primary goal in serving as queen would be to give back to her community. She echoed the same vision when Hunt-Thorpe asked Franke what she would do if she won the lottery. Franke said she would "take care of my college education and my brother's college education, and I have a grandmother who has lived with us my whole life and I would make sure all of her medical needs were met. With the rest of the money, I would put it back into the community through my church and other organizations."
As a student, Franke gives back to the community and shares her talents by participating in marching band, concert band and drama club, acting as the high school's mascot at football and basketball games and serving as a Youth Leader at Vineyard Community Church.
First Attendant Skye Leasure, daughter of Susan and David Leasure, is also active in school and community activities as a cheerleader, and chorale and art club member. She volunteers at the Reynoldsburg Senior Center, with Special Olympics and at local food pantries, as well as at city events. In her remarks, Leasure said her goal was to share her enthusiasm for life and to help others who can benefit from her energy and commitment to the community.
Rounding out the 2010-2011 Queen¹s Court are: Jessica Anderson, Meghan Crawford, Olivia Upchurch, and Shaina Lyon.
Other Tomato Festival Royalty for 2010-2011 are:
· Little Princess Piper Ogden, daughter of Amy and Steve Odgen. Ogden is a second grader at St. Pius Elementary School. She enjoys gymnastics and reading, and would like to be an author when she grows up.
· Princess Attendant Carson Barry, daughter of Michelle and Matt Barry. Barry is a second grader at Slate Ridge Elementary School. She enjoys playing outside with friends. She aspires to be a singer.
· Senior King and Queen Dan and Dorothy Nawrocki. As Reynoldsburg residents for more than 50 years, both are well-known throughout the community. Mr. Nawrocki led the Reynoldsburg High School marching band from 1958 to 1986. He enjoys camping, fishing and gardening. His wife Dorothy enjoys reading, cooking and baking.
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