QUEEN CHELSIE - Newly selected 2007 Montrose Blueberry Festival Queen Chelsie Hurst, left, was crowned by 2006 Queen Amber Bouchard at the annual pageant held Saturday, March 31. Hurst will reign over the 36th annual Blueberry Festival scheduled for August 15-20 TCC Photo by Deb Miller

For life-long Montrose resident Chelsie Lee Hurst that childhood dream became a reality on March 31 as she was crowned the 2007 Blueberry Festival Queen at the event's annual pageant held at the Montrose Community Auditorium.

"This is something I've always wanted ever since I was a little girl," stated Chelsie. "It's very exciting. I love Montrose and it's an honor and a privilege to represent my hometown as Blueberry Queen."

Chelsie, a senior at Hill-McCloy High School, is the 17-year-old daughter of Kelly Hurst and Gerald Potter, and Frank and Stormi Hurst.

Chosen as this year's First Runner-Up was Katlin Whitmire. Also a senior at Hill-McCloy High School, Katlin is the 17-year-old daughter of Don and Tami Whitmire.

The pair were crowned by 2006 Blueberry Royalty, Queen Amber Bouchard and First Runner-Up Lisa Golding.

Chelsie has previously been involved with the festival serving as a volunteer at the Pancake Breakfast for several years. She has also participated in the dog contest where last year she dyed her dog blue and dressed him in the festival's Mexican theme.

Chelsie holds a 3.964 GPA and will graduate with honors with the class of 2007. She serves as Senior Editor in Chief of the school yearbook and is on the Prom Committee. She received the Presidential Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence and the schools Certificate of Academic Excellence. She was a member of the State qualifying varsity cheerleading squad her freshmen and sophomore years. Chelsie plans to attend Palmer University in California where she will study chiropractic medicine.

Katlin, who will also graduate with honors with the class of 2007, serves as co-Vice-President of the senior class, is a member of the National Honor Society and the Prom Committee, and is photo editor of the yearbook. She is member of the varsity cheer squad where she has served as Captain since her sophomore year. She received an academic pin and letter, the MEAP scholarship, numerous cheerleading awards, and was the January 2007 athlete of the month. After graduation Katlin plans to pursue a business degree.

The duo will serve as the top ambassadors for this year's 36th annual Blueberry Festival, scheduled for August 15-20, traveling to festivals, parades, and other public functions throughout the state.

Upon completion of their reign the new queen and runner-up will receive scholarships from the Blueberry Festival.