S&P Queen Gallegos offers farewell letter

(Editor’s Note: Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Queen Jordan Ann Gallegos offered the below as her farewell address. She and King Gregory Hamer St. will relinquish their crowns Aug. 26 during a 7:30 p.m. coronation at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. Tickets, available at the door, are $8 for adults and $6 for children).
"As my time as queen quickly comes to a close, I look back on this past year with pride, honor and humility exuding from me. To me, this title was more than the crown, the pretty dresses, and seeing how many shrimp and oil related accessories I could find.
"When that crown was placed on my head a year ago, so was the responsibility of representing each and every single one of you. This was a job I did not take on lightly and I vowed to be the best ambassador I could possibly be.
"I stand before all of you today confidently saying that I did just that. For the last 365 days, my entire personality has been shrimp and petroleum, and I have no intention of changing that!
"I’ve had the opportunity to travel our beautiful state and bring my love for this festival, my festival, with me every step of the way. I’ve eaten gumbo in Bridge City, picked strawberries in Ponchatoula, shot skeet in Gueydan, built bonfires in Lutcher, gone crawfishing in Breaux Bridge, kissed frogs in Rayne, and so much more; all while sharing my love and knowledge of all things Shrimp and Petroleum with every person I encountered.
"I have learned so much about the commodities of our great state and how to protect our unique ecosystem here in Louisiana. I also had the opportunity of a lifetime riding in the 134th annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and being able to attend the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians 74th Washington Mardi Gras Ball at our nation’s capital. Sharing my hometown from the west coast to the east coast was an opportunity I will cherish for the rest of my life.
"After traveling to over 70 events, I can truly (and proudly) say no one does it like Morgan City, Louisiana, during Labor Day weekend!
Having the opportunity to reign as the 87th Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Queen has truly been a dream come true. I know that my younger self would be so proud of my accomplishments, and I am so delighted to see that her dreams have finally become reality.
"To my hometown, I cannot thank you enough for the endless support and encouragement. I pray that I have made all of you proud this year, and I thank you for making this festival as grand as it is. You all are the reason this festival is so rich in history and tradition and the reason it is adored by many."
Forever and always,
Queen 87 Jordan Ann Gallegos