2015 Queen of Tolerance Hannah Spranger (seated, center) flanked by her court, First Runnerup Alanna Daley (l) and Second Runnerup Olivia Higgs with 2014 Queen of Tolerance Gabrielle standing, center. Photo by Ron Bailey.
Leonardtown, MD — The queen has been crowned and the fair is in high gear. The St. Mary’s County Fair queen, known as the Queen of Tolerance, was selected as part of the Thursday, Sept. 24, opening day of the four-day fair. She is Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy student Hannah Spranger.
Spranger is the daughter of David and Crystal Spranger. According to her bio presented during the queen contest, “Hannah is a member of the National; Honor Society and Key Club. This year Hannah participated in the Key Club District Convention in Baltimore. Hannah worked hard for two years to bring her grade point average up from 3.17 to 3.5 which she is most proud of. Hannah is currently commanding officer and administrative officer at Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy. In addition to attending the academy, she is also attending the College of Southern Maryland taking English college courses. Hannah enjoys being a leader and helping at school events and fundraisers and helping others with their challenges. She enjoys volunteering with the WARM (Wrap Your Arms around Many) program and other church events, annual yard sale, Oyster Festival, and Strawberry Festival. Hannah is currently working part time at Camp Maria Retreat Center. For two years she worked as a summer DARE counselor. Hannah plans on majoring in Forensic Sciences and Criminology and becoming a Crime Scene Investigator.”
First runner up was Alana Daley, who attends St. Mary’s Ryken High School and is the daughter of Thomas and Julie Daley of California. Second runner up was Olivia Higgs, who attends Chopticon High School, and is the daughter of Blaise and Veronica Higgs.
Contestants appeared earlier in the week before a panel of out-of-county judges and the selection was made but not revealed until the opening ceremony. Member of the fair board of directors Bob Brookins explained that the Queen of Tolerance contest started in 1947 and was originally intended to be a money maker, with the girl raising the most money declared the winner. Now it’s the other way around, with fair Board President John Richards presenting the three winners with scholarship money.
Former congressman Roy Dyson was master of ceremonies, a job he has retained for more than 40 years. The queen was crowned by 2014 Queen of Tolerance Gabrielle Cory. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Color Guard of Cub Scout Pack #1203. The Star Spangled Banner was performed by Margaret Brent Middle School.
Queen of Tolerance coordinator was Debbie Brookins and assistant coordinator was Trish Brow.
The buildings were all open and the rides were spinning and whirling and the food was available so the crowd was brisk for opening night. The fair continues Friday as children are off from school and given free admission and discount ride tickets. Saturday features the parade at 10:30 a.m. Sunday is Family Day.
For a complete schedule go to http://www.smcfair.somd.com/
The Bay Net’s Crabby was also on the grounds Thursday and will be there for the entire fair handing out stickers. Stop and have your picture taken with him., To find out if you were caught on camera Thursday see the attached Gallery by Dick Myers which also has pictures by Ron Bailey. Images include the Queen of Tolerance contest and other activities on Opening Night.
Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com
Enjoy pictures from the fair’s Saturday parade http://www.thebaynet.com/photos/saturday-at-the-st-marys-county-fair.html
