By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Hanna Stroud entered the Geneseo Music Festival Queen Pageant to carry on a family tradition.
She was crowned queen of the 2023 pageant held last June in City Park, a title her mother, Sara (Terronez) Stroud, also won when she graduated from GHS in 1995.
The pageant is sponsored each year by Geneseo Rotary Club and is open to graduating GHS senior girls.
Hanna Stroud, daughter of Brian and Sara Stroud, was crowned queen of the 2023 Geneseo Music Festival Queen Pageant. This year’s pageant is at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14, in Geneseo City Park. Photo by Claudia Loucks
Hanna said her initial reason for entering the pageant last year was “because my mother did it when she was in high school and won. I wanted to keep the tradition of at least participating in the pageant and I ended up winning which was pretty special.”
Another reason she shared was because “it seemed like a fun opportunity to possibly get some money for college and a great way to become involved in the community.”
She admitted that prior to pageant night, she was a bit hesitant…”I am an introvert and had never done a pageant before. I was convinced to do the pageant last year and I am so thankful. It not only made me realize that I should do things outside of my comfort zone, but also that I don’t have to have had experience or be super outgoing to participate. Everyone was super supportive of all of the girls and the whole weekend was so exciting!”
When asked about her thoughts and memories of last year’s event, Stroud said, “The experience as a whole was amazing. It sparked connections with people that I hadn’t talked to in a while and I even met new people.”
She shared memories of pageant night and said she was “full of emotions. There was nervousness, excitement, and happiness all at the same time. When we walked out on stage for the first time and I saw everyone watching, it felt surreal. I knew that everyone was there to support me, but it can be hard to get up in front of people and be vulnerable about yourself, but it was totally worth it.”
She said she “loved every second of it and the emotions are what makes it even more fun. It also is good practice for other scenarios in life like job interviews or presenting at a press conference. It relates to other aspects of the life and that is another bonus!”
The queen and court make appearances at other events during the Music Festival weekend spending time with people in the community and visiting with them…”The City Park was filled with vendors, pop-up tents and so much to see,” Stroud recalled.
Many small businesses owners also are in the park offering food items and there is live music. Stroud said,”Seeing people gathering at the different activities was refreshing when we know how busy life can get. The Music Festival weekend is now one of my favorites in Geneseo!”
Stroud was a student at the University of Iowa in the last school year and she said, "I loved it! I joined a couple of clubs and made new friends. I love Iowa City itself and definitely will be visiting there next year.”
She is transferring to Black Hawk College to study nursing and she said, “I could not be more excited for this year and I can’t wait to see what God has in store.”