1999 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen
Ashley Irvin
1999 Dairy Festival Queen Had
Strong Ties to Dairy Industry
by: Bobby McDonald
When the 1999 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen was crowned, she had strong ties to the dairy industry. Her parents and paternal grandparents had all been in the dairy business, while her maternal grandparents had owned a livestock auction, where dairy animals were sold, in Emory.
And, when Hopkins County paused to honor the dairy industry the last time in the 20th century, it was a variety of things happening in the area. A "botched" robbery attempt at The Pawn Shop on South Davis Street left the owner, an employee, and a customer with gunshot wounds, while the owner's son shot the robber with a 12 guage shotgun, thwarting the attempt to kill everyone in the store.
Meanwhile, it was in May of 1999, that three American servicemen were held hostage by Yugoslavia, but were released in a celebrated event in Germany. And, in April of 1999, it was the Columbine shootings in Littleton, Colorado, that found two young men killing fellow students and taking their own lives. And, the SSHS Junior-Senior Prom was conducted to the theme of "Hollywood Stars" and celebrated the end of the school year.
And, it was Kyle King and Franki Jimmerson headed for State Track and Field competition, while North Hopkins was sending Tracie Akerhiem and Miller Grove was sending Lindsey Watson. Meanwhile, it was the Como-Pickton Lady Eagles Softball Team that had that community "in a stir" as they were headed to the state finals with an unbeaten record, at 26-0. However, they couldn't manage to win the state title, as they were beaten 5-3 by the Coahoma Bulldogettes.
Meanwhile, the SSHS Wildcats Baseball Team won the first game of a three game series against Highland Park, but couldn't manage to win game 2 and 3, to advance in the play-offs. Six Wildcats were named to the First-Team All District Team with Cory Horton being named District 15-4A MVP. And, Matt Brown, a Sulphur Springs Wildcat wide receiver had inked a letter of intent to play football for Austin College. Brad Wood of North Hopkins had signed to play baseball for Richland College, as he prepared to graduate in the spring of '99. Casey Osborn had signed a letter of intent to play soccer for Tyler Junior College.
The Forrest Gregg Awards at SSHS were presented to Kim Kopal, Latressa McGill, and Michele Cork, as well as Beau Radney. Fighting Heart Awards were presented to Martin Bryant, Triston Abron, Linda Rankin, and Angela Saucedo.
This is Ashley Irvin and Ashley Bawcum on their Sweepstakes winning Fourth of July float.
Captains selected for the fall 1999 Wildcat football team included: Adam Grimes, Brady Petty, Lance Wilson, Adarius Palmer, Joey Harrison, and Jason Bragg. And, the spring of 1999 found a "monster" tornado moving through Oklahoma City, destroying homes and killing approximately 46 people. Meanwhile, the same cell cut through Dekalb, Texas, and local residents were gathering food, clothing, and money at their local churches to send to the victims.
A 1966 SSHS Graduate, Marcus Hill, had been "tapped" as the commencement speaker for the 1999 Graduation exercises, with Dustin Ragan and Kim Yearwood being named valedictorian and salutatorian of the 1999 class. Meanwhile, it was parents that were protesting the closing of the neighborhood Houston Elementary School, while longtime Austin Elementary School teacher, Rhonda Hathcox, was retiring, after a 31 year career, 17 of which had been at the elementary school.
And, a pilot program was being introduced to elementary school students with the hopes of having school uniforms in SSISD. The khaki and white uniforms were being sought for the Early Childhood Learning Center, for the fall of 1999.
Verna Lee McKinney and David Jetton were the top grads at Yantis High School and Adena Young and Amie Vaughn were at the head of their class at North Hopkins. North Hopkins High School freshman, Sara Bodkins had won the state UIL title in informative extemporaneous speaking, defying the odds. Cassie Tubb and Brian Wright were the top grads at Sulphur Bluff and Daniel Lee Alexander and Scott Weaver were at the top of their class at Miller Grove. Tracy Price and MaDora Gallender were valedictorian and salutatorian at Saltillo High School, while Tara Petty and Carrie Bradford were the top grads at Cumby High School.
At the movies in 1999, it was Star Wars that was the top grossing movie, with over $431 million at the box office. Toy Story 2 was the second high grossing movie for the year, with Austin Powers...The Spy Who Shagged Me, ranking third. Tarzan was at number four and Big Daddy, Runaway Bride, Stuart Little, American Beauty, Double Jeopardy, and Notting Hill made the top 10 list.
Ashley as she rode atop the queen's float in the 2000 Dairy Festival Parade.
1999 found Country and Western music great, Alan Jackson, releasing "Gone Crazy," "Little Man," and "Right on the Money." Shania Twain won a Grammy for her song, "Come On Over," and was named Entertainer of the Year. Tim McGraw as the top male vocalist and Faith Hill was the top female vocalist, as George Jones was presented a Grammy for his "Choices" Albumn. The Dixie Chicks made popular "You Were Mine," and Kenny Chesney made popular "How Forever Feels." McGraw's hit singles were "Something Like That" and "Please Remember Me," while Lone Star's "Amazed" was the top C&W song at the CMA Awards. Faith Hill won awards for her single and albumn, "Breathe," and won an award for the video. She also made popular "This Kiss." Reba McEntire had the hit "One Honest Heart" and Chad Brock made a hit out of "Ordinary Life." Many will remember Cherly Wright's "Single White Female."
On the Pop Chart it was Cher's "Believe" at the top of the hit list. Monica's "Angel of Mine" and Whitney Houston's "Heartbreak Hotel" were top songs, as was Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time." Christene Aguilera made popular "Genie In A Bottle" and Ricky Martin sang "Livin' La Vida Loca." Jennifer Lopez had the hit "If You Had My Love," and "I'm Your Angel" was made popular by R. Kelly and Celine Dion. Mariah Carey had the popular hits, "Heartbreaker" and "I Still Belive" and Shania Twain had the crossover hit of "That Don't Impress Me Much." Enrique Iglesias made popular, "Bailamos."
Ashley Irvin as she was named the 1999 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen.
When it came time to select a theme for the 1999 Dairy Festival the board chose "A Tribute to 40 Years" to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the festival. Six young ladies competed for the queen's title. They were: Ashley Bawcum, representing Mother's Culture Club; Patricia Neal, representing Northeast Texas Farmers Coop; Ashley Irvin sponsored by Junior Waverly Club; Anne Marie Seymore, representing the Kiwanis Club; Katie McCarley sponsored by Rotary Club; and Haley Nelson, representing the Dial Study Club.
Children appearing in the Dairy Festival as "Celebration Kids" were: Christina Cook, Thor Burnside, Harlee Shulz, Jordan Jackson, Ashlen Echols, Clayton Baker, Hanna Schulz, Jenner Jackson, Megan Thurman, Tucker Johnson, Jordan Miller, Brady Fisher, Sarah Forseman, Chase Koon, Victoria Calhoun, Elliott David, Caitlyn Wilson, Clayton Jones, Ally Eddins, and Bryce Medelline.
Jim Thompson served as president of the 1999 Dairy Festival board, with Larry Crowson serving as vice-president. Mary Campbell served as secretary and Judy VanWinkle served as treasurer. Allison Phillips was reporter and Lynda Hager was pageant director. Other board members included: Erica Armstrong, Talley Bell, Pam Black, Mike Blount, Corey Burgin, Patricia Chase, Carrie Crowson, Bruce Fielden, Jerry Gibby, Peggy Gibby, Melanie Helm, Clayton McGraw, Susan Kennon, Rafael Riojas, Barbara Taylor, Tim Taylor, Johnnie Wells, and Chip Vaughn.
By Dairy Festival time in 1999, it was announced that the number of dairy farms in Hopkins County had fallen to only 238 dairy farms, with three farms exiting the business in May 1999. It was a record low and a trend that had been happening for the past 10 years, as herds became larger and many herds were moving to the Panhandle of Texas.
Dairy Festival had always been a part of Ashley's life, as is evidence of this
picture we found of her in the 1988 Dairy Festival with Michael Lawrence.
That's a "young" Ronnie Irvin in the background!
Meanwhile, for the second year in a row, the Hopkins County 4-H Dairy Judging Team won the State 4-H Judging Title and was headed for the national contest in Madison, Wisconsin. Team members were: Kyle Koon, Walt Gamblin, Seth Thompson, and Josh Boatman.
When the talent was presented, the evening gowns shown, and the speaches delivered, the judges gave the nod to Ashley Irvin, the 16 year old daughter of Ronnie and Sandra Irvin, to wear the 40th Anniversary crown. "I'm honored to be the 40th Anniversary Queen and it's something I've looked forward to since a little girl!" exclaimed the new queen.
Anne-Marie Seymore was named first runner-up and Katie McCarley had danced her way into the second runner-up position in the contest. Haley Nelson was presented with a special talent award by the judges for for her singing of "Unchained Melody." Irvin and Ashley Bawcum received the Sweepstakes Award for their float depicting the Fourth of July.
Queen Ashley Irvin, after being named 40th Annual Queen.
We located the 40th Annual Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen, Ashley Irvin Weaver, living in San Antonio, today. Ashley graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in the 2000 milenium class and moved to Austin, where she attended the University of Texas. She graduated from UT in December of 2003, with a BBA in Finance from the McCombs School of Business.
Ashley married her sweetheart, Rad Weaver on March 27, 2004 and they make their home in San Antonio. She describes them as "bleeding orange" as devoted Texas Longhorn fans and the parents of one daughter, two year old Cecelia Charline Weaver. "We love living in historic San Antonio and working on our ranch in Blanco, Texas," expresses Ashley. "It's a great place to raise a family!"
Ashley Irvin Weaver is shown here with husband, Rad Weaver, and their daughter, Cecelia, on
their ranch in Blanco, Texas.
When asked about the benefits of her Dairy Festival experience, Ashley states, "It was always a part of my life, growing up in Sulphur Springs. I participated in the events, even as a child. Being from a small town has so many benefits, and the sense of community is one of the best. The entire process of participating in Dairy Festival, and then the responsibilities during the year as queen, really helped me to build confidence in myself and who I was. Those experiences are priceless in later life! I would encourage any young lady to consider competing for the crown, as it will be a once in a lifetime experience!"
Ashley takes a break with Cecelia.
"A couple of weeks before the Dairy Festival, my father had a massive heart attach, not just a drastic measure to prevent him from having to be on stage with me, a real life, serious heart attack," remembers Ashley. "My mom, being the amazing woman that she is, was completely consumed with being in Dallas, at the hospital to take care of him. My sisters, Jennifer and Kristin, as they always do, took up the slack to help me complete Dairy Festival. Kristin took on the float project, which obviously she did very well, as we won, and Jennifer and Kristin both took me to Dallas to get my wardrobe and all of those necessities that I needed and helped me with my talent presentation and interview skills. With Dad in the hospital, we had hay to bale on the farm, so the three of us and my brother-in-law, Kevin Monk, all 'pitched-in' and baled hay that summer to keep the farm going, while Dad was down. It was a very stressful time for my family, but the experience 'pulled us all together' as a family. Silas, my brother-in-law from Dallas, drove the tractor for my float and Kevin escorted me during the pageant! I think learning that I had won nearly gave my Dad another heart attack!"
"The light of Ashley and Rad's lives".......Cecelia Charline Weaver!
When asked about her talent presentation, Ashley asks, "Do I have to tell? Let's just say that I did better milking the cow! I will never forget standing back stage in my evening gown, just after the talent portion, with my brother-in-law, Kevin, escorting me. I turned to him and asked, How did I do? He had this sly little grin on his face and politely told me, 'Well...you looked pretty!' So, that was an indication that he certainly didn't think I presented a winning performance. Of course, we all laugh about that till this day!"
"As for Dairy Festival memories, the entire process was a dream for me!" relates Ashley. "When else in your whole life do you get to wear a crown for a whole year and it be O.K.? I was proud to represent the dairy industry that had been such a vital part of my life and the community in which I called home. I'm looking forward to returning to Hopkins County in June 2009, joining my fellow queens, and celebrating this rich heritage that began so long ago. I look forward to seeing all of my friends and those that became so special during my reign as the 40th Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen!"
Ashley is shown with her family, that all "pulled together" to make her Dairy Festival experience
one that she will remember always!
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