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National Hereford Queen crowned at American Royal
Whitney Andras, Checotah, Okla., was crowned the 2012-2013 National Hereford Queen during the 2012 American Royal National Hereford Show in Kansas City Nov. 4. Whitney is a fifth-generation Hereford breeder on the Andras side and a fourth-generation Hereford breeder on the Ellis side. She comes from a family with a long history of Hereford dedication. With generations of Hereford involvement, it only seems natural for Andras to represent the Hereford breed first as the Oklahoma Hereford Queen and now as the National Hereford Queen. Currently a freshman at Connors State College in Warner, Okla., Andras is pursuing an associate's degree in science and serving as a member of the freshman livestock judging team. After Connors, Andras plans to transfer to either Texas Tech or Oklahoma State University, where she hopes to dual major in agricultural communications and agribusiness. At the American Royal Andras was also presented the Whitehead/Rocking Chair Ranch Scholarship and the Gary Bishop Memorial Scholarship. She competed against three other young women from across the U.S. for the title. The National Hereford Queen program is managed by the National Hereford Women. Queen candidates are evaluated on their involvement with and knowledge of the Hereford breed, behavior, attitude, appearance and interaction with producers, as well as their resumes and interviews. Judges look for a responsible, well-rounded young lady who is willing to spend an entire year traveling all over the country to represent the Hereford breed to her best ability. First runner-up honors went to MaKayla Rutt, Minden, Neb.; Bridget Beran, Claflin, Kan., was named second runner-up, and the Miss Congeniality award was presented to Cara Cummings, Gilmer, Texas. Although busy with college and judging, Andras says she is extremely excited to begin her stint as the National Hereford Queen. "I want to be able to attend as many events as I can and be there for all of the juniors and breeders whether it be cattle related or not," Andras says. "I'm looking forward to being able to be an ambassador for the Hereford breed and travel across the country and visit all of my fellow breeders." She also says she hopes to set an example for Hereford youth that she may cross paths with during her reign. "I want them to know that I'm a very down-to-earth person and that I will bend over backwards to help anyone in any possible way that I can," she adds. "Being chosen as the National Hereford Queen is such a humbling experience. I am honored to represent the Hereford breed and the great tradition this role represents." Date: 12/10/2012
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