Janelle Zamarripa

My name is Janelle Zamarripa and | am a junior currently attending Luling High School. | am an A\ B honor student with perfect attendance; I'm also the daughter of business owners Hecior and Maria Zamarripa. I'm also one of the many grandchildren of Ciro and Maria Reyes; also business owners. This year I have the honor and privilege of being able fo run for Luling’s 72nd Watermelon Thump Queen. i'm so honored to be able to represent my town of Luling and look forward to what this experience has in-stored for me and my fellow candidates.

During school and/or in my free time, I'm also a student athlete and a “ Mighty Luling Eagle Band” member. I also play soccer for our Luling Varsity soccer team. | volunteer my time to help out my community as a member of Luling High School Key Ctub. | also attend St John's Catholic Church here in Luling and I'm a member of the Catholic church's Youth Group. | also help my parents at the restaurant, as a waitress and running the drive-thru.

After | graduate from High School, | want to commit myself to a college close by and continue my studies into becoming a social worker. | myself enjoy working with kids. While studying | also plan to have my cosmetology license and do hair and nails as a part-time job to keep myself busy.

Now the question we have all been waiting for: Why do | want to run for Watermelon Thump: Queen? Honestly, | thought of many ways to answer this question but could never truly come up with just one answer. The reason | Janelle Zamarripa wants to run for Thump Queen is to show that It’s ok to get out of your comfort zone. | wanted to also try something new, especially to show anyone who tells you can't or shouldn't do that; | say show them who you are and show them that they never should've underestimated you. Even though you might grow up and move

away from home, your home will always have a place in your heart no matter how far you go This is also a message to fellow future Thump candidates “Never say Never,” enjoy life.

Why would f be a good fit far a Watermelon Thump Queen? Growing up, | feel my parents always taught me the value of hard work and determination and much more in life. Which | know is something | will have to do and use during my campaigning. Also, if you commit to something and make a promise, that there is no half fasting . You will go all in, like you're doing it for the right reasons. Being a candidate is a commitment and also a promise to your community , the City of Luling and surrounding areas to do your absolute best and more to represent us all.

Why is the Luling Watermelon Thump such an integral part of Luling? | feel like ever since | can recall growing up in this community, we find ourselves coming together for several days. | have seen first hand, nothing less but hard work and commitment to represent our City of Luling. The Watermelon Thump Festivities are such an important part of our community’s heritage, so all of

us can come together to keep Luling united and where it is today.