Editors Note: This article was originally published in the March 27, 2024 issue of the Chronicle Progress. Some information may be outdated.
Delta City’s newest monarchy took their crowns last Monday evening during the 2024 Miss Delta Scholarship Contest.
Sierra Tasker replaced Danica Diaz as Queen, with Kambree Taylor and Harlee Hepler as first and second attendants, respectively. Other contestants included Kinley Warnick and Baylee Kolste.
Each contestant was given a brief opportunity to present a speech on the topic “What Makes America Great,” and answer random questions.
Tasker, the daughter of Tom and Sarah Tasker, said she asked her fellow Deltans what made America great.
“The answers included freedom, the people in it, the opportunities, sports, farming and many more,” Tasker said. “What would be your answer? What do you think makes America great?”
Tasker said the variety of differing opinions is the bedrock of America’s greatness.
“When I see America, I think of all the amazing opportunities we have,” she said. She cited the multitude of extracurricular actives available to American youth and the career opportunities through higher education.
“This is something many other countries don’t get to experience,” she said. “Gaining an education helps us learn ways to contribute to society.”
She told a story of how skilled medical personnel were able to save a loved one’s life after an illness.
“They were taught by the same education system we have today. Even as the world is constantly changing, our education system helps to shape us into who we are today. I am proud to say I am an American.”
Taylor, daughter of Nathan and Aimee Taylor, said Americans are blessed to live in the country due to the “limitless number of opportunities and anything is possible because of the hard work and dedication of ourselves and others.”
Taylor said that includes sacrifices made my military personnel to allow total strangers to succeed and achieve their own greatness.
“Don’t forget teachers and coaches who have influenced your life for good. They have taught you skills that will help you succeed in the future and bless you with life lessons that will last throughout generations,” Taylor said. “With a dream, desire and will power, we can shape our lives to not only what we want, but greater than whatever we think they could be.”
Taylor also said America’s greatness stems from its natural resources and beauty. She quoted the Lee Greenwood song, “God Bless the USA,” and how it covers the variety of differing landscapes making up the country.
Hepler, daughter of Jason and Mindy Hepler, said America’s greatness is comprised of its geographical and social differences, and the history it is made up of.
“All of these different things make America great,” she said. “When I asked some of my family members what they thought, I got several different answers. Some said the Constitution; some said all the fun places to visit—but most of the answers said were our freedoms.”
Hepler said while times and places have changed in America, the freedom to choose has remained steadfast.
“We are free to choose what religion to attend. We are free to travel and see what we want to see. Men and women have fought for these freedoms, and they still fight for them today,” she said.
Tasker and her attendants will reign over municipal events throughout the upcoming year.
