GENOA – The 83rd annual Genoa Days began with the traditional naming the king and queen scholarship recipients Wednesday.
Lauryn Stoffregen, 18, and Alan Franson, 18 – both of Genoa and who graduated from Genoa-Kingston High School last month – were awarded a $1,000 scholarship each by the Genoa Chamber of Commerce. They will be riding in a convertible during the parade Saturday.
Stoffregen said she was heavily involved during her high school career, including being the vice president of the senior class, playing on the volleyball team and being part of the National Honor Society.
“It means a lot to see that all of the hard work paid off and that it can be recognized,” Stoffregen said.
Franson, who played football and baseball and also was part of NHS, said he takes pride in his community and that it’s an honor to be awarded something that reflects it.
“It means a lot that I could win this award,” Franson said. “I think it just shows how much Genoa means to me.”
The rest of the court will receive $100 awards and will follow the king and queen in a truck during the parade. Those recipients are Lauren Walker, Payton Garcia, Celia Huerta, Nicholas Iscra, Zach Sonntag and Edith Merchado.
Scheduled performances for the rest of the festival include The Beau, Six-Pack and Country Line Live. Other events include a Cogs Run 5K on Saturday, along with carnival rides and various food vendors.