Watermelon Thump Queen

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:
I am currently in Key Club, Cosmetology and Yearbook. I was in Art Society during my Freshman year. I have been a member of First United Methodist Church of Luling my entire life. I volunteer with our vacation bible school every year.

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:
I take voice lessons at Sunflower and Friends in Lockhart and have participated in their showcases. I attend Camp Gladiator and love working out at Snap Fitness. I enjoy yoga, Pilates, swimming and walking my dog, Luna. Also, I enjoy creating art and crocheting.

What are your plans after completing high school?
I will attend Paul Mitchell Beauty School in Austin. I would like to work in a salon in or near Luling when I complete my cosmetology courses.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?
The Watermelon Thump is an important part of Luling’s heritage because it is rooted in the agricultural history of Luling. Agriculture, as well as oil, are important factors for our economic development. For 70 years, the Thump has celebrated that agricultural history by bringing the citizens together for several days to recognize locally grown, tasty watermelons.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?
I’m proud to be a lifelong Luling resident. I was fortunate to have lived (for my first 8 years of life) in a home that my grandparents built in 1932. My great grandfather, Richard Hicks, Sr, worked in the oil fields here for decades. He was also our city judge from 1969-1989. My great aunt Barbara ran for Watermelon Thump Queen in the late 1950s. I would love to be queen and represent this wonderful city my family has been involved in for so long.

What qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as watermelon thump queen?
I am very outgoing and confident. Giving presentations and speaking to large groups is quite easy for me. I really thrive from meeting new people. Also, when I take something on, I am dedicated and committed. I would be a great queen because I am very loyal to Luling and always positive.

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:

Luling 4-H Club, Office & County Delegate
LHS FFA Club
LHS FFA Shooting Sports, founding member
LHS Student Council

• Fundraising Committee
• Community Service Committee
• School Service Committee
• Staff Appreciation Committee
• DASH Committee
• Spirit & Patriotism Committee
• Social Event Committee

LHS Energy & Environment Committee Chair

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:

• Miss United States Agriculture, Caldwell County
• Luling Livestock Show
• Shooting Sports, Shotgun Team (4-H & FFA)
• LHS Softball & Volleyball
• LHS Cheerleading
• Luling Little League

What are your plans after completing high school?

After high school, I plan to attend Texas Lutheran University in Seguin to earn a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. After completing my degree I want to be an Emergency Room travel nurse. This will allow me to pursue my passion for nursing and see new places around the country.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?

Keeping the Watermelon Thump going strong not only generates revenue for our town, but it keeps our ancestor’s hard work and dedication to the watermelon patches alive. The Thump holds a special place in my heart since my family has played an active role in our agricultural community for multiple generations.

Without the Thump, the sandy loam soil would go unturned and bare, stories could be forgotten, and a thriving agricultural area would wither. I want many generations to come to also experience the pride that comes from a farmer realizing he/she has grown the largest Black Diamond with the perfect dark green rind and sunny, yellow belly. Once again, creating a story to be told for generations to come.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?

Just like the watermelons, I have a deep roots in this town. I want to be the 2023 Watermelon Thump Queen so I can share my family’s watermelon growing background with my community and other towns all around Texas. As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a Watermelon Thump Queen! I even learned how to write my name as a preschooler so I could vote in the 2009 Queen’s race.

I always loved to listen to my PawPaw, Potsy Watts’ stories about growing melons then loading thousands into train cars and 18-wheelers to be delivered all over the country. I learned at a very young age at the fruit stand how to pick the best watermelon. I also got fussed at often for climbing all over the top of the good ones and messing up the neat stacks. No matter what though, I never left without talking him into cutting at least one melon for us to check the sweetness.

What Qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as Watermelon Thump Queen?

As an active leader in my school and my community, I have taken on roles in multiple organizations to plan events, better our school & community, and represent my city and county. I enjoy planning with peers in committees and solving issues as they arise.

One way I have proven to be an effective leader is by representing Caldwell County as the 2022 Miss United States Agriculture. I was able to advocate for females in agriculture through 4-H and FFA as a participant in local & major market swine shows and as a member of the first ever Shooting Sports team at Luling High School. This role was very special to me and led me to my next adventure as a young leader.

While attending agricultural-based events, I noticed there was a need for affordable western fashion. This is when my dream of a mobile boutique was born! I saved up until I had enough to purchase my initial inventory and equipment needed. From this hard work and determination, American Honey was born. I have worked hard to grow my business over the last year. I attend small festival and vendor fairs in our area sharing my passion for western-inspired fashion and custom designs.

Each of these life events, pride for my community, and my “go-getter” attitude have prepared me to be a superior leader for our community while representing Luling as the Watermelon Thump Queen for 2023.

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:
Class Vice President, Student Council Treasurer, Head Chair Teacher Appreciation, Co-chair Spirit Committee, Key Club, and Drama Club

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:
Varsity Cheer (All American), Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Basketball (Honorable Mention All-District), Varsity Softball and Power Lifting

What are your plans after completing high school?
My plan after graduating high school is to pursue a degree in nursing, whether it be in a traditional college setting or military.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?
The Watermelon Thump is an integral part of Luling’s Heritage where we honor the growers. The four day festival brings families, our community and people from all over the world to celebrate all things watermelon.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?
I would like to run for Watermelon Thump Queen because I would like to show younger kids that they can do anything they set their mind to. I have a younger sister that looks up to me and I want to set a good example for her. I truly enjoy helping people in anyway that I can. I want our younger generation to always strive for excellence and draw inspiration from me. I want to demonstrate to them how to be friendly, helpful and outgoing.

What qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as Watermelon Thump Queen?
Being Vice President has taught me the leadership skills necessary to run for Watermelon Thump Queen. I am determined, trustworthy and goal driven. I am not afraid to speak to anyone.

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:
National Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council which I am a overall Council Officer as well as Junior Class Officer, Luling High School Social Committee which I am the chairman of, The Executive (student council) Committee, Drama Club, Community Service Committee, Energy and Environment Committee, and DASH (Drugs, Alcohol, safety, and Health) Committee.

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:
Volunteer work with St. Vincent de Paul Society for the past six years, CFPO (Christian Federation of Police Officers) Cheer Coach Volunteer, Volleyball, Athletic Training, Marching Band (Flute Section leader)

What are your plans after completing high school?
My plans after high school are to attend a four year university, and then apply to dentistry school. All in hopes of becoming a dentists and eventually having a practice of my own.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?
The Watermelon Thump is such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage because it’s a celebration of the harvest of hard work from Luling farmers. Where the community comes together and celebrates.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?
I want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen because I want to represent Luling for what it stands for and it’s people. I am a multi-generational resident of Luling and the Watermelon Thump has always been a part of my life. It would be a platform that allows me to represent our community and to lead by example for the next generation to come.

What qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as Watermelon Thump Queen?
Over the years I have either participated or held leadership positions in extra curricular activities such as Band, Student Council, National Honor Society, and Key Club just to name a few. These roles have helped me create integrity to always stand up for what is right. Have respect for others, and perseverance to never give up through hardships.

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:

As a Junior in High School, I am currently second Vice President and Community Service Chairman for our Student Council. I am Key Club Vice President, as well as Junior Class President. I also am Drama Club Vice President and am a member of National Honor Society. I am also Top 10 in my class.

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:

I am a proud member of the Luling Girl Scouts, as well as an active member in the Luling 4-H. I am a Varsity softball team member for my third year.

What are your plans after completing high school?

After graduating, my plan is to get my undergrad degree and then apply to med school. I aspire to be an Obstetrician.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?

The Watermelon Thump brings our community together, all while welcoming in people from all over and showcasing us as a town. There are activities for young and old, and tons of ways to have fun. It really shows the best of Luling as a community.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?

I am running for Thump Queen because it will allow me the opportunity to grow and experience things outside of my everyday life. Even just the campaigning will benefit me in so many ways. It will force me to leave my comfort zone and learn how to approach people in the real world. It also allows me to network and meet new people that I may not have otherwise had the opportunity to do so. Most importantly, it allows me to represent Luling in the best light.

What qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as Watermelon Thump Queen?

Having held many officer positions in the past, including current ones, I have learned time management skills, leadership skills, and the importance of upholding your commitments.

Clubs and Organizations you are a member of:
4-H, Athletic Training, and Ag mechanics

Extracurricular Activities you are involved in:
4-H, Athletic Training, and Ag mechanics and Softball manager

What are your plans after completing high school?
I plan to attend Blinn College and transfer to Texas A&M College Station to major and graduate with a business of Agriculture Degree. After graduating college, I plan to attain the position of a county extension agent.

Why is the Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling’s Heritage?
The Watermelon Thump is such an integral part of Luling’s heritage because it brings our town and neighboring towns together. We get to honor our town in such an amazing way and showcase what it’s all about. The Thump represents what our small town is about and shows how big an impact our town has had on it’s people and surrounding communities.

Why do you want to run for Watermelon Thump Queen?
I eagerly look forward to running this race with enthusiasm and joy; to be energized to work delightfully to represent Luling. I look forward to the opportunity to meet people and share our town, our home with people from every walk of life and from every creed and culture. My ultimate goal is to let Luling and all of our neighboring communities and towns see that the goodness and purity that the people to our great town still possess. I will let my light shine upon all people, in all places, at all times.

What qualities do you possess that are inherent in a leadership position such as Watermelon Thump Queen?
I am trustworthy, hard working, and dedicated. I am punctual, kind hearted, caring and understanding.

Thump Queens 1954-2022