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A Pageant First

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By DAVE NICHOLSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 18, 2009

Updated: 01/18/2009 07:00 pm

PLANT CITY - Erica Der admits she was a bit nervous for her younger sister.

But Lauren Der – who prayed for God's strength – was at peace.

By the end of the evening, Lauren was wearing the Florida Strawberry Festival queen's crown, and a new chapter in pageant history had been written.

The 19-year-old Hillsborough Community College freshman was selected queen Saturday, six years after Erica won the crown. It's the first time in pageant history that sisters have been festival queens.

"How cool is that?" said Jodi Smith, president of the Plant City Lions Club, the pageant sponsor. "Her sister did a great job, and I know Lauren will follow in her footsteps."

Lauren Der said she could hardly believe it when she was crowned by 2008 queen Kristen Smith. Erica said "it's very special to be able to share that with Lauren" and be a part of the pageant's 74-year history.

Der, daughter of Dennis and Lori Der, fought back tears after she was selected from a field of 32 candidates. Sara Beth Newsome was chosen first maid, and court members were Megan Cochran, Joclyn Emerson and Morgan Feaster.

"I still feel a little overwhelmed," Der said Sunday. She said she's been bombarded with phone calls, text messages and other congratulatory wishes.

Their father owns Southside Farm Supply and their mother is a third-grade teacher at Cork Elementary School. Lauren and Erica, 24, who is pursuing a master's degree in agriculture education at the University of Florida, are their only children.

Lori Der said she and her husband are proud of their daughters and their accomplishments. She added they tried to teach them that character is what matters the most.

"I always told them that it's what's on the inside that counts; that the beauty will fade but that what's on the inside stays," she said.

Lori Der said she believes the Lord will use her daughter and her court to make a positive impact in the lives of others. "We feel very blessed," she said.

Lauren's cheering section at the pageant included her parents, sister, grandparents, cousins and many friends. Lori Der said Erica's time as festival queen was a positive experience and she looks forward to Lauren's time in the limelight.

Lauren is very interested in agriculture and "loves Plant City," her mother said.

Lauren Der entered the pageant for the first time last year but didn't make it to the court. Erica encouraged her and helped her prepare for 2009, although Erica said her sister is a "wonderful person" who didn't need much coaching.

Lauren Der has been active in the festival since she was a little girl, from an appearance in the baby parade to entering a lamb in the lamb costume contest. She hopes to work some day in public relations for an agriculture company.

Der, who is active in the children's ministry at Cork United Methodist Church, said she prayed before the contest for internal peace. She calls her win "from the Lord."

As one of 10 semi-finalists, Der was asked what excited her most about the prospect of becoming queen. Her answer – that she would be honored to represent an area that so prizes morals and values – was met with thunderous applause from the audience.

A few minutes later, she was wearing a sparkling crown and posing for photos.

Der said she looks forward to "representing and serving" Plant City.

Der was the first queen since the pageant replaced its swimwear competition with casual wear. Der, who selected a red sundress and sunglasses for that phase of the contest, said she liked the changes. Pageant director Charles Harris said the replacement competition seemed well received by both contestants and their parents.

The pageant is one of the first major events leading up to the strawberry festival, which is Feb. 26 through March 8. The queen and her court ride in festival parades, introduce headline acts and preside over festival contests.

This isn't the first time sisters have been in the contest; others have competed previously, and the outgoing queen's twin, Lauren Smith, was a candidate this year. Lauren Der said she didn't realize her crowning was one for the record books until after the pageant was over.

"I feel so blessed," she said.

Meet The 2009 Queen
NAME: Lauren Briann Der
BIRTHDAY: Oct. 27, 1988 in Lakeland, raised in Plant City
PARENTS: Dennis and Lori Der
SIBLING: Sister Erica, 2003 festival queen
SCHOOL: 2008 Plant City High graduate; studying animal science at Hillsborough Community College; plans to transfer to University of Florida
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: Wants to work in public relations for an agriculture company
PERSONAL: 5 feet 2 inches tall, dirty-blonde hair, blue eyes

The Court Members
First maid Sara Beth Newsome is the daughter of Ray and Jo Beth Newsome. She is a senior at Plant City High School. She plans to study agriculture communications and elementary education in college. She is active with FFA and Best Buddies.
Court member Megan Nicole Cochran is the daughter of Landon Cochran and Kathryn Politte. She is a graduate of Plant City High School. She plans to attend Florida State University and pursue a doctoral degree in research psychology.
Court member Joclyn Brittany Emerson is the daughter of Joseph and Deborah Emerson. She is a graduate of Durant High School and is a sophomore at Hillsborough Community College with plans to attend the University of South Florida to study law. She is a coach with the Dover Patriot Cheerleaders.
Morgan Renae Feaster is the daughter of Mark and Mendy Feaster. She is a graduate of Plant City High School. She is studying cosmetology and is active with the Junior Woman's Club of Plant City and St. Joseph's Children's Hospital.

Reporter Dave Nicholson can be reached at dnicholson@tampatrib.com.

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