By Daerra Stull
Brittani Hancock reigned in her well-deserved title of becoming the 2015 Golden Delicious Queen. Brittani is 19 years young, she was raised in Cottageville, West Virginia and is the daughter of Robert and Becky Hancock. She graduated from Ripley High School with high honors and placed in the top 10 of her class. She is currently attending Marshall University, majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. Brittani plans to further her education after her bachelor’s degree, at Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, pursuing a career in Pediatric Oncology. If that isn’t impressive enough she is also involved in: Marshall Medical Outreach, the Pediatric Entertainment Program, and Habitat for Humanity, and Make A Wish.
Brittani exclaims that becoming the Golden Delicious Queen has always been a dream of hers. As a young girl, Brittani would get a sneak peek of the Golden Delicious Pageant, thanks to her grandmother (Connie Sizemore), a director of the pageant for many years. She remembers the excitement and the glamorous events happening backstage at the fairs and festivals pageants. When Brittani watched the girls being crowned, she recalled that you could see the excitement in their faces after getting the title they worked so hard for. Brittani states “the girls would return the following year with memories that would last them a lifetime, friendships that would exist indefinitely, and a heavy heart knowing that their reign was over.” Another inspiration to Brittani was her mother, Becky Hancock. She was a former Golden Delicious Queen and wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps. This was the first year that Brittani competed in the Golden Delicious Festival and she said she gave it all she had to offer. Her dreams became a reality when she heard her name announced that she was the winner. Brittani said it was the best feeling in the world!
On Thursday night of the festival, Brittani was crowned as the queen, she had a special visitor in the audience as a witness. Brittani’s great grandmother, Miriam Sizemore, was able to get out of the nursing home and watch her granddaughter be crowned royalty. Brittani stated that it was a moment that she would never forget. On Friday afternoon Brittani attended the carnival, Pie Eating Contest (where she was placed first runner up), musical chairs, the “Not So Newly Wed” game, the Bubble Ballet, and watched famously known from The Voice, Cody Wickline perform. Friday afternoon, Brittani was also able to visit the Sizemore Farm, where she was eligible to pick Golden Delicious apples right off of the tree. Brittani stated that Saturday was a busy day for her. She began her morning with the Lion’s Club pancake breakfast, followed by the Puppy Pageant, judged the legendary Baking Contest, rode in the Grand Feature parade, danced with the Appalachian Country Cloggers, played Apple Feud, and then ended the night with Toothless Ruth and fireworks. Sunday, she donated her time to the Clay Health Care Center to read to the residents, she participated in the kid’s games, and ended with watching the gospel sing! “After participating in all of those events, the one thing that will always stay with me is how welcoming Clay County was.” Clay County treated her like the true queen she was, she was welcomed in with open arms from an outstanding community. She had her own personal paparazzi and admirer’s asking for autographs. The Golden Delicious Queen is a true role model for others and next year’s Golden Delicious’ upcoming court.
