The culmination of the 70th Brown County Youth Fair took place Saturday with the crowning of the 2022 Queen – Brownwood senior Watts Jones – prior to the start of the Premium Sale.
Jones is the daughter of Justin and Tami Jones and is headed for Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls after graduating high school later this year.
“It’s so exciting and one of the best feelings in the world,” Jones said following the 2022 Queen announcement. “I think my heart kind of stopped, it took my breath away.”
Jones showed pigs and was involved in the fashion show at the youth fair this week, along with additional queen contestant responsibilities.
“The friendships and bonds I made with the other two Queen contestants I’m happy to say are probably going to be some of my best friends as I grow up,” Jones said. ““Thank you to my two ag teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. I love y’all and couldn’t have done it without y’all.”
Jones wore the jacket of her late great-grandmother, Neva Watts, during Saturday’s coronation.
“The jacket I have on was actually passed down to me from my great-grandmother Neva Watts,” Jones said. “She recently passed away last year in September and I know as I was walking down that aisle she was with me and watching over me.”
Jones is a Brownwood FFA officer, a member of the National Honor Society, a captain for the Lady Lions soccer team, and is involved with FC Dallas soccer.
“I’m committed to Midwestern State to play soccer but I’ll get to come home and see my family and continue to see my friends and benefit this organization,” Jones said.
First runner-up was Bangs’ Rylie Guerrero, the daughter of Christina and Johnny Guerrero. She is a junior at Bangs High School and is involved in FFA, livestock judging, creed speaking, NHS, the PALS program, cross country, cheerleading, basketball, powerlifting, softball, and track.
Second runner-up was Kourtney Peacock of May, the daughter of Emily Little and Jim Coley. A junior at May, she is a member of May FFA and May 4-H and holds an officer position in both clubs. She is also involved in school as a drum major, cheerleader, and with NHS, along with being a member of the basketball, track, cross country, and softball teams.
Earlier this week, Bangs eighth-grader Gentry Shepard, the daughter of Brian and Misty Shepard, was selected Junior Miss.
Early fifth-grader Kensi Willis, the daughter of Daniel and Shelly Willis, was chosen as the Princess.
