Thump Queen

2022 Watermelon Thump Queen Candidates

Dani DeLeon

Sponsored by; Luling Fire Department

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:
Maranatha Sunday School Organization, Luling LAWS, Luling Junior Softball Little League Coach, Member Key Club, Team Manager for the LHS Boys Baseball Team, helper for the Luling Little Diggers, and player of the 17 National Volleyball Team Topflight.

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:
Softball (First Team All District Pitcher), Volleyball (1st Team All District), Track, Powerlifting, and LHS Band (Received all 1s).

What are your plans after completing high school?
I plan to study wildlife biology, zoology, or wildlife ecology. once I get my science degree, I would like to travel and work in many animal rescues or wildlife animal research centers and discover or help animals with their health.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?
I believe the Watermelon Thump is such an integral part of Luling’s heritage because it helps support the town with finances and does a great job of bringing families and friends together and making fantastic memories. Year after year, the Thump continues to grow with the help of our community, to show love to our beautiful town and one another.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?
The reason why I want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen is because I truly love helping people with anything if I am capable. I believe that I am a great example for teenagers my age and the younger crowd. I believe the kids are what continues our yearly Thump. Therefore, I want kids to always try and push to be the best they can and be inspired by me. By being kind, helpful, respectful, and outgoing. Being born and raised here in Luling, TX and I have been attending the Watermelon Thump since I was a little girl. I remember going to the concerts and signing with my friends and family, buying those warm delicious hot dogs & funnel cakes, and I could never forget those huge cups of yummy lemonade. I find it so crazy and wonderful that the Watermelon Thump can only be nostalgic to a small town of kids. And most memorable was the Queens, walking around with a pretty sash and tiara. The Queen is a great title but when kids look at me and see who I truly am behind the title, it’s just as great. And that’s why I would love to honor a title as the Queen of the Luling Watermelon Thump. To be a part of the children’s childhood memory and for them to reflect and make their best decisions as a child.

Who am I?
I am kind, respectful, not only to others but myself. I am thoughtful, considerate, helpful, outgoing, and the biggest thing about me is my heart. I care deeply about this town whether it’s the trash in the streets, the animals in the shelters, the kids in the Junior High trying to figure out who they are, the elders sitting by themselves at tables, the relationships and friendships between others, to the people accepting God. I strive to be a better person every day. Accepting and loving people for who they are and enjoying this beautiful thing called life.

Azalia Hernandez

Sponsored by: Luling Oil Museum

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:
I am a member of Theatre Arts, have been involved in UIL for 2 years , and help actors do their blocking.

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:
I participate in UIL for acting and volunteer to practice with Little League in my free time.

What are your plans after completing high school?
Spend my two years in a community college, then transfer my last two years to ASU, studying Psychology.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?
This is the one time within the year where Luling is recognized and celebrated by neighboring towns for a full weekend.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?
I want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen because I will gain new experience such as meeting new people and travel to different places.

What Qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as Watermelon Thump Queen?
I’m willing to go the extra mile to assist those in need of help, push through any difficult situation, and I’m very optimistic.

Abby Reyes

Sponsored by: Luling Lions Club

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:
Key Club, National Honor Society, Student Council Officer (Class President)

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:
LHS Band

What are your plans after completing high school?
My plan after completing high school is to attend a four year university to become a travel nurse. I would like to become a travel nurse to help people around the world and be able to interact with other cultures.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?
The Watermelon Thump is an integral part of Luling’s Heritage because it is the time of year where people come together to honor the town. The Watermelon Thump is a 4 day festival that brings families together and people from other cities to celebrate the tradition of the Watermelon Thump.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?
I would like to run for Watermelon Thump Queen because I want to show people that they can do anything they set their mind to even if it is out of their comfort zone. And sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to reach your full potential. It would also mean a lot to me to be able to represent the town that opened its doors to my grandparents when they first arrived in the United States.

What qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as Watermelon Thump Queen?
Being Class President has taught me leadership skills necessary to run for Watermelon Thump Queen. I am very determined once I set my mind to something. I will accomplish whatever goal I set for myself. I am also very dependable. You can count on me to be present at all times.

Julissa Spencer

Sponsored by: Luling Kiwanis Club

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:
I am a member of a select softball team, Next Generation 18u Gold.

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:
I am involved in Softball, Volleyball, and Track

What are your plans after completing high school?
After high school I plan on going to college to continue my softball career and get a degree in Law.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?
It’s the best time of the year that brings attention to Luling dedicating 4 days to a town we all call home and it allows not only our community, but other surrounding areas to celebrate Luling as well.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?
I would like to run for Watermelon Thump Queen to inspire young little girls to follow their dreams. I want to honor the town I call home.

What qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as Watermelon Thump Queen?
I am kind, respectful, and outgoing individual that loves connecting with people. I have 2 nieces and a nephew that look up to everything I do and leading them down the right path is my job. I’ve also played Varsity sports since my Freshman year, and I know what it takes to be a leader to younger generations.

Savanna Trevino

Sponsored by: Luling Main Street

My name is Savanna Shyann Trevino, I am 17 years old, I live in Luling Texas I attend Luling High School I am a Junior and I will graduate next year in 2023.
I am the daughter of Deanne Deleon and Dominic Eubanks and granddaughter of Estella Mendoza and Pablo Deleon. I would love to run for Luling Watermelon Thump Queen. It has always been a dream of mine ever since I was little . I think I am a good candidate and have the qualities it takes to be able to run for Luling Watermelon Thump Queen.

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:
I volunteer with Luling CFPO. I have been doing this for quite some time now. I enjoy being out there and helping coach the kids. I volunteer with Luling Little League as well. I also volunteer at the church on Wednesdays and help pass out food to the community. I have a passion for helping people with disabilities. I have two siblings that are on the spectrum so I do as much volunteer work for others as well. I attended William Taylor United Methodist Church in Luling. I try to make it most Sunday’s if I am able to. I plan on rejoining Key Club through the high school I wasn’t able to join this year due to being out sick on sign up day. I am also a Girl Scout.

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:
I play volleyball and basketball for Luling High School. I play softball as well but I wasn’t able to play this year due to my driving school I attended conflicted with the days of practice. I do basketball training with Stat Pro out of San Marcos Texas as well.

What are your plans after completing high school?
After I graduate I plan on attending Victoria College to obtain my L VN then branch out and obtain my RN. After I complete this I will branch out and obtain my PA ( Physician Assistant) license.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?
I believe the Luling Watermelon Thump brings families and the community together. It’s an enjoyable weekend for everyone. People come from all over to enjoy all the festivities Luling has to offer.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?
It has always been a dream of mine to be the Luling Watermelon Thump Queen. I feel it’s a great opportunity for me to learn and grow as a person.

What qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as Watermelon Thump Queen?
I love to help others. I am a very respectful and very responsible person. I am very kind hearted and I believe I am a hard worker. I think I would make a perfect Queen Candidate for Luling.

Kassidy Whitaker

Sponsored by: American Legion Post 177

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:
Student Council VP of class of 2023, 2020-2021
Student Council Historian over all student council 2021-2022
Key Club 2020-2021
NEHS 2013-2013
Student Council President of Class of 2023, 2015-2016

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:
LHS Band, 2016-present
Athletic training, 2020-present
Boys Basketball manager, 2020-present
Softball manager, 2022-present
Powerlifting, 2019-2020
Golf, 2020-2021 (Regional qualifier, District Honorable Mention)
Mathematics UIL, 2017-2020
Luling Junior High Dance, 2016-2018
Varsity Dan, 2019-2021
Trick or Treat on Eagle Street, 2020-2021
Thursday Night Concession Stand, 2019-2021
Texas Art League Volunteer, 2015-2019

What are your plans after completing high school?
My plans after graduating from Luling High School are to start Nursing School. I plan on having my CNA license before graduating, so I want to get my LVN, RN, MSN, and lastly my APRN in Trauma Nursing. I plan on attending either Victoria College, Corpus Christi A&M, UTMB Health at Galveston, or Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?
The Watermelon Thump has been such a significant and vital part of Luling’s’ heritage since 1954. The Thump has brought so much attention to this small community; locally, state wide, and nationally. The Thump started as a small celebration to honor the growers and promote the Luling watermelon market, and continued to escalate to be the largest small town festival in the state of Texas. The Thump has opened many opportunities for Luling and garnered national attention. The Thump, known for the Black Diamond Watermelons and the champion watermelon auction, have made a name nation wide for Luling. The Queen and her court’s boots, the growers, and the seed spitters add to the uniqueness of the festival. My family’s contributions to the festival include: mother Tammy Cox seed spitting champion, aunt TC Cox (Queen), cousin Megan Cox-Pettis (Queen 2005), cousin Pam Miller (Queen 1971), cousin Debbie Miller-Hees (Queen 1970), cousin Amanda Kidd (Queen 1997), cousin Monica Kidd-Knox (Queen 1992), cousin Raven Robbins (Queen 2002).

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?
Since I was a little girl I have been around the Thump, and it has always been my dream to reign as Watermelon Thump Queen to represent my family and the city of Luling. Rather it be with the coronation with Pam Kidd or running wild helping Woody Cox with random tasks as he was on the Board of Directors. I was always present at the Thump with my mom watching both the kids and adults seed spitting contest, or down at the pavilion helping with the Queen’s coronation; so it was inevitable for me to fall in love with the Thump. I was always so excited to get to see a girl seeing her dream come true, and her life changed with the biggest and brightest smile when her name would be announced as the next reigning Queen. Running for Watermelon Thump Queen is also goal motivated for me. It has been a lifelong goal for me to run because I have always been tied back to Luling, and I always dreamed of picking out my dress and walking down the runway and being crowned the queen . not only has it always been my dream , but I had promised my mom Tammy Cox, cousin Pam Kidd, and uncle Woody Cox that I would run when it was my turn to carry on the family tradition . I also had multiple family members that were Queens in the past, and with all humbleness I would be honored to represent Luling throughout all Central Texas.

What qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as Watermelon Thump Queen?
I am kind and hard working, and I know what it takes to be a leader. I will always push through any situation thrown my way. I always have a smile on my face. I am trustworthy, responsible, respectful, reliable, honest, fair, passionate, confident, and understanding. I love hearing where people came from and their stories. I will always put in my everything until I feel that I have done the duty to the best of my ability.

Thump Queens 1954-2021

1954 – Bettie Sue Blackwell Towns
1955 – Janice O’Banion Bayern
1956 – Margaret Leazar Thompson
1957 – Diane Rabon
1958 – Dorothy Watkins White
1959 – Merilynn McGee Tullous
1960 – Phillis Webb Linscomb, Kakai Blackwell Walker
1961 – Kay Welch Nelson
1962 – Caronlyn Frank Reid, Ann Colewell Lee
1963 – Mary Elizabeth Carter Olden
1964 – Carmen Bassett Gidley, Becky Seay Brownlow
1965 – Diane Thorp Miller
1966 – Beth Vick
1967 – Mollie Shelton Meyer
1968 – Ollie Jo Montgomery Bozeman
1969 – Nora Anne Webb
1970 – Debbie Miller Hees
1971 – Pam Miller Kidd, Sherry Janca Grabill
1972 – Jackie Dorn Campbell
1973 – Sue McBride
1974 – Cathy Folsom Allen
1975 – Karen Glenewinkel Via
1976 – Bonnie McCrary Phillips
1977 – Sharon Gibson
1978 – Denise Gonzales Levesque
1979 – Vicki Mohn Morlock, Cassandra Marcee Bullard
1980 – Darla Franks
1981 – Susie Rollert Seay
1982 – Sherry Herrmann Bettersworth
1983 – Roxanne Ivey Schmidt
1984 – Jennifer Otto Zumwalt
1985 – Kai Hendricks Schnautz
1986 – Sherry Saur Geiger
1987 – Brandi Sue Blackwell Hayden
1988 – Tandra Lewis Damon
1989 – Cathy Farmer Dunham
1990 – Tamara Engleke Pigott
1991 – Kelly Ward Loredo
1992 – Monica Kidd Knox
1993 – Meghan Allen Holliday
1994 – Veronica Suarez Powell
1995 – Ashley Bassett Hartzog
1996 – Aurora Guillen-Suarez
1997 – Amanda Kidd
1998 – Shannon Zamora
1999 – Ginny Robbins Janak
2000 – Kelsey Bassett
2001 – Mayra Guillen Johnson
2002 – Raven Robbins Spears
2003 – Cathi Johnson Davis
2004 – Rebekah McClure Alaniz
2005 – Megan Cox Pettis
2006 – Ashley McFadin Rhodes
2007 – Vanessa Guerrero
2008 – Michelle Levesque Lopez
2009 – RaVana Damon Curry
2010 – Paige Heller Johnson
2011 – Yadira Ochoa
2012 – Victoria Bosquez
2013 – Carina Reyes
2014 – Kaitlin Cappleman Kranda
2015 – Kyleigh Peters
2016 – Lexi Carter
2017 – Elizabeth Townsend
2018 – Kendal Gibson
2019 – Valerie Bermudez
2020 –
2021 – Dimi Poulos