Watermelon Thump Queen

My name is Janelle Zamarripa and I am a junior currently attending Luling High School. I am an A\ B honor student with perfect attendance; I’m also the daughter of business owners Hector and Maria Zamarripa. I’m also one of the many grandchildren of Ciro and Maria Reyes; also business owners. This year I have the honor and privilege of being able to run for Luling’s 72nd Watermelon Thump Queen. I’m so honored to be able to represent my town of Luling and look forward to what this experience has in-stored for me and my fellow candidates.

THE PARENT’S OF: Hector and Maria Zamarripa

CLUBS/ ORGANIZATIONS YOU ARE A MEMBER OF:

• Luling High School Key Club
• “Mighty Luling Eagle Band”
• Luling Varsity soccer team
• Catholic church’s Youth Group

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES YOU ARE INVOLVED IN:
During school and/or in my free time, I’m also a student athlete and a “Mighty Luling Eagle Band” member. I also play soccer for our Luling Varsity soccer team. I volunteer my time to help out my community as a member of Luling High School Key Club. I also attend St John’s Catholic Church here in Luling and I’m a member of the Catholic church’s Youth Group. I also help my parents at the restaurant, as a waitress and running the drive-thru.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER COMPLETING HIGH SCHOOL?
I want to commit myself to a college close by and continue my studies into becoming a social worker. I myself enjoy working with kids. While studying I also plan to have my cosmetology license and do hair and nails as a part-time job to keep myself busy.

WHY IS THE WATERMELON THUMP SUCH AN INTEGRAL PART OF LULING’S HERITAGE?
I feel like ever since I can recall growing up in this community, we find ourselves coming together for several days. I have seen first hand, nothing less but hard work and commitment to represent our City of Luling. The Watermelon Thump Festivities are such an important part of our community’s heritage, so all of us can come together to keep Luling united and where it is today.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR WATERMELON THUMP QUEEN?
Honesty, I thought of many ways to answer this question but could never truly come up with just one answer. The reason I Janelle Zamarripa wants to run for Thump Queen is to show that It’s ok to get out of your comfort zone. I wanted to also try something new, especially to show anyone who tells you cant or shouldn’t do that; I say show them who you are and show them that they never shouId’ve underestimated you. Even though you might grow up and move away from home, your home will always have a place in your heart no matter how far you go.

This is also a message to fellow future Thump candidates “Never say Never,” enjoy life.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU POSSESS THAT ARE INHERENT IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION SUCH AS WATERMELON THUMP QUEEN?
Growing up, I feel my parents always taught me the value of hard work and determination and much more in life. Which I know is something I will have to do and use during my campaigning. Also, if you commit to something and make a promise, that there is no half fasting. You will go all in, like you’re doing it for the right reasons. Being a candidate is a commitment and also a promise to your community , the City of Luling and surrounding areas to do your absolute best and more to represent us all.

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¡Buenos Dias! Luling,

Mi nombre es Janelle Zamarripa y soy una estudiante del once grado que actualmente asiste a la escuela secundaria aquí en Luling. Soy una estudiante con buenas calificaciones A\ B con asistencia perfecta; También soy hija de Héctor y Maria Zamarripa. También soy uno de los muchos nietos de Ciro y Maria Reyes. Este año tengo el honor y el privilegio de poder postularme, como candidata para el 72nd Watermelon Thump Queen de Luling. Me siento muy honrada de poder representar a mi ciudad de Luling y espero con ansias Io que esta experiencia tiene reservado para mi y para mis compañeras candidatas.

Durante la escuela yo en mi tiempo libre, también soy estudiante atłeta y miembro de “Mighty Luling Eagle Band”. También juego fútbol soccer para nuestro equipo de Luling Varsity Soccer Team. También ofrezco mi tiempo como voluntaria para ayudar a mi comunidad como miembro del Key Club de Luling High School. También asisto a la lglesia Católica de San Juan, el Evangelista aquí en Luling, siendo un miembro del Grupo de Jóvenes de la iglesia Católica. Después de graduarme, de la escuela secundara, quiero comprometerme en una universidad cercana y continuar mis estudios para convertirme, en trabajadora sociaI, me gusta trabajar con niños. Mientras estudio, también planeo trabajar mi licencia de cosmełología y hacer corte de pelo y uñas como trabajo de tiempo parcial.

Ahora la pregunta que todos hemos estado esperando: ¿Por qué quiero postularme para Watermelon Thump Queen? Sinceramente, pensé en muchas formas de responder a esta pregunta, pero nunca pude encontrar una sola respuesta. La razón por la que Janelle Zamarripa quiere postularse para Watermelon Thump Queen es para demostrar que está bien salir de tu zona de tranquilidad, y probar algo nuevo. Esto es bueno, especialmente para mostrar quién le dice a uno que no puede o no debe hacer algo nuevo. Yo digo que les muestres a todos, quién eres y que nunca deberían haberte subestimado. Aunque uno crece y te mudas lejos de casa, tu hogar siempre tendrá un lugar en tu corazón sin importar Io lejos que Ilegues. Este es también un mensaje para las futuras candidatas del Watermelon Thump: “Nunca digas nunca se puede.”

¿Por qué encajarfa bien en Watermelon Thump Queen? Al crecer, siento que mis padres siempre me enseñaron el valor del trabajo duro y la determinación y mucho más en la vida. Lo cual sé que es algo que tendré que hacer y utilizar durante mi campaña. Además, si te comprometes, hay que seguir adelante, hacíendo todo Io posible, para lograr tu meta. Pero todo se logra haciéndo lo por las razones correctas. Ser candidata es un compromiso y también una promesa para tu comunidad, la ciudad de Luling y sus alrededores de hacer Io mejor que pueda y más para representarnos a todos ustedes.

¿Por qué el Luling Watermełon Thump es una parte tan integral de Luling? Siento que desde que tengo uso de razón, en esta comunidad nos encontramos reunidos, y nos divertimos con los miembros de la ciudad durante cuatro días. He visto de primera mano que se trabaja duro y con mucho compromiso para representar a nuestra ciudad de Luling. Las Festividades de Watermelon Thump son una parte tan Importante del patrimonio de nuestra comunidad, por lo que todos podemos unimos para mantener a Luling unido y como lo está hoy.

Quiero aprovechar este momento para “agradecer” a la ciudad de Luling por esta extraordinaria oportunidad.  Quiero representar a nuestra comunidad con nada más que lealtad y respeto. Ahora le pediré por favor a todos ustedes, si aún no se ha comprometido con ningúna otra de nuestras candidatas; VOTE a Janelle Zamarripa el 21 de junio de 8:00 am a 6:00 pm en el Watermelon Thump Pavillion. Muchas Gracias!

Watermelon Thump son una parte tan importante del patrimonio de nuestra comunídad, por lo que todos podemos unimos para mantener a Luling unido y como lo estã hoy.

Quiero aprovechar este momento para ”agradecer’ a la ciudad de Luling por esta extraordinaria oportunidad. Quiero representar a nuestra comunidad con nada más que lealtad y respeto. Ahora le pediré por favor a todos ustedes, si aún no se ha comprometido con ningúna otra de nuestras candídatas; VOTE a Janelle Zamarripa el 21 de junio de 8:00 am a 6:00 pm en el Watermelon Thump Pavillion. Muchas Gracias!

Clubs/Organizations You are a member of:

• Student Council

Extracurricular Activities You are involved in:

• Basketball and Track
• Help at the nursing home (Luling Care Center).

What are your plans after completing High School?
My plans after high school is to take a CNA course in the summer. Then, go to college to pursue a career in Pediatric Nursing.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?
I say it’s an integral part of Luling’s heritage because it has been around for 70+ years. It is also a way to bring the community together and honor local growers.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?
I want to run because I enjoyed watching others represent a town I was raised in and I’d love to do the same. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a little girl. (Plus, I’m a thump baby.)

What qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as Watermelon Thump Queen?
I am independent. I love helping and getting to know others. I’m passionate about things I love and I’m a go-getter, and I love to be a leader and guide/help people.

CLUBS/ ORGANIZATIONS YOU ARE A MEMBER OF:

• Luling Youth Association – Coach
• Youth Group at St. John’s Catholic Church

In addition, I also volunteered for the:

• Luling Little League Challengers Team
• Community Meals at The Wells Christian Ministries

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES YOU ARE INVOLVED IN:

• Varsity Tennis (’23 – Present)
• Band (’23 – Present)
• Varsity Arabelles (’23 – ’24)
• Varsity Soccer (’23 – ’24)
• Cheer (’22 – ’23)
• Volleyball (’22 – ’24)
• Luling High School Cosmetology

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS:

• 2024 Tennis All District Champion
• 2024 Tennis Regionals Qualifier

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER COMPLETING HIGH SCHOOL?
After high school, I would like to attend Texas State and major in Radiation Therapy.

WHY IS THE WATERMELON THUMP SUCH AN INTEGRAL PART OF LULING’S HERITAGE?
The Watermelon Thump is integral to Luling’s heritage because it celebrates the town’s history—specifically its watermelon farming. However, it is more than that. The Thump is a festival that brings the community together and welcomes visitors. It features amazing carnival rides, excellent concerts, outstanding food stands, and vendors selling items to the community. It’s a wonderful festival for creating amazing memories with family and friends.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR WATERMELON THUMP QUEEN?
As someone who has lived in Luling all their life, the answer to this question has always been simple. From a young age, my younger brother and I competed over who we thought would win the title of Watermelon Thump Queen. My love for this grew as I admired the hard work and dedication of the young ladies who represented our beloved town. I want to take the time to become the new face of Luling, meet new people, and become a bigger part of the community—as well as inspire future generations after me.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU POSSESS THAT ARE INHERENT IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION SUCH AS WATERMELON THUMP QUEEN?
I believe I possess great leadership qualities. I am very dedicated and always strive to achieve my goals. I am known as a “social butterfly,” which means I have excellent communication skills. Additionally, I am respectful, responsible, and kind. I believe I am approachable and always have a bright smile on my face.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES YOU ARE INVOLVED IN:

• Saint John Catholic Church

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER COMPLETING HIGH SCHOOL?
Attend college to pursue my nursing degree.

WHY IS THE WATERMELON THUMP SUCH AN INTEGRAL PART OF LULING’S HERITAGE?
Thump is more than a festival—it is a tradition for Luling and our families to get together and celebrate. As a small town, the carnival is an opportunity for people who move out of town to come back home and see old friends. Every year, the Thump Organization puts in a great effort to bring the best bands and make it as fun as possible.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR WATERMELON THUMP QUEEN?
I would love the opportunity to represent the town of Luling. Thumping is one of my favorite times of the year, and since I was little, I always dreamed of being Thump Queen.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU POSSESS THAT ARE INHERENT IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION SUCH AS WATERMELON THUMP QUEEN?
I would like to believe that the qualities I have to be the next queen are that I’m always respectful, kind, try to get along with everyone, have a good heart, and always make sure people around me feel understood and heard. I’m a passionate believer that everyone should be treated equally and respected.

Thump Queens 1954-2024