What a year! Being named the first-ever Washington Parish Teen Fair Queen was such an unexpected and amazing honor. I have always loved the fair, my entire life "fair time" brings immediate thoughts of rides, friends, music, and love.
This year I've met hundreds of queens from all over the state, we've laughed and encouraged and supported one another from crowning to retirement. I can honestly say that forming a bond with our parish queens has given me an immense sense of pride in the remarkable young women of our parish and how hard-working and intelligent they all are. Our Rodeo queens, Balloon Festival Queens, Farm Bureau Queen, Paper Queen, Watermelon Festival Queens, Business on the Block Queens, and Christmas Festival Princess, each put in countless hours promoting our amazing community and all it has to offer. You as a community have encouraged us as a generation of young women leaders who will go on to do great things and lead our community with pride and grace. I will be forever grateful to each of you.
I sincerely thank Ms. Cindy, Ms. Lexi, and Ms. Claire for the endless hours of preparation, encouragement, and guidance this year. I also would like to thank the citizens of Washington Parish for embracing me and encouraging me this year, whether it was the Chamber of Commerce, the Special Olympics, or a business opening, I was welcomed with smiles and open arms.
Queen Addi, you have been an amazing queen, you are so gracious, kind, and thoughtful, and you embody everything a queen should be. I cannot imagine sharing this journey with anyone else. Ms. Kelli Goings thank you for helping us and letting me tag along to pageants, Addi is so blessed to have you as a mom.
I would like to thank my friends for always showing up and cheering louder than anyone else and I would also like to thank my parents for supporting me through this journey. Thanks, Mom and Marcus for your support and encouragement. Dad and Christa, thank you so much for running all over the place with me and making sure that I have everything that I need, from crown to shoes and everything in between, I could not have done it without you. Thank you for encouraging me and pushing me daily to be the best version of myself that I can be. You are my biggest supporters, and I love you more than you know.
To my successor, I pray you have an amazing reign filled with all of the love I have experienced this year. Never forget that you represent the most amazing people on the planet, the citizens of Washington Parish.
For the very last time, Representing the Parish I cherish Most I am your 2023 Washington Parish Teen Fair Queen, Natalie Seal.
