A New Dairy Princess Takes Her Reign

     Saratoga County Dairy Farmers are surely rich when it comes to their spokespersons.  Last Friday night Katie Donnan, daughter of Hume and Jo Ann Donnan, was crowned the 2007 Saratoga County Dairy Princess.  First Alternate Princess, Katie Hanehan, daughter of Cliff and Kathy Hanehan, will ably assist Saratoga County Dairy Princess, Katie Donnan. Emily Hanehan, daughter of Patrick and Sherri Hanehan, and Casey Gillis, daughter of Jill Gillis, will serve in the 2007 court as 2^nd alternates.

     Joe Peck no stranger to promotion or public 
speaking once again served as MC.  Those of us in attendance at this year’s pageant where treated to one of the most dynamic displays of talent, knowledge, and passion from the four young ladies vying for the title.  Presentations consisted of telling the true story of milk from a book Katie Donnan created herself, to the “Power of Milk” hosted by Emily Hanehan.  Casey Gillis highlighted the future of milk with a video of perhaps a future episode of “2027”.  And Katie Hanehan composed and sang lyrics to highlight her message of exposing people to the benefits of milk. Each one of the contestants gave compelling explanations to the impromptu question asked by Joe Peck prior to his excusing the judges.

    While the judges toiled over their decisions and tallied the votes, we were treated to an update on the American Dairy Association from the New York State Dairy Princess, Hannah McDermott. The 2006 reigning Saratoga County Princess, Katie Smith, gave her retiring address, which cited the various accomplishments of her court and how their teamwork made for an effective and meaningful year.  She thanked the Dairy Promotion Committee and mentioned several by name and specific contributions by each.  She ended by thanking her parents and family for their individual support and love, which made it all possible and rewarding.

     I’m very confident that nowhere else is there is any better or anymore qualified a group of individuals promoting the nutritious benefits of milk to the public than in Saratoga County.  I’m equally as confident that no other county has a more dedicated and devoted dairy promotion committee.