Abigail Marie Fruge of Sulphur representing The Lake Charles Mayor’s Office Armed Forces Commission was crowned Queen Cotton LXV at Saturday night’s Cotton Coronation.
She is the daughter of Rodney, Jr., and Donna Fruge and the granddaughter of Rodney, Sr., and Euta Fruge.
“The values and morals passed down through my paternal grandparents have instilled in me what it is like to have such value and determination in what I do,” Fruge said. “Because of them, I have learned the importance of the cotton industry, and I want to experience that opportunity to grow and learn as my grandparents and dad have.”
Fruge is a freshman at McNeese State University and is pursuing a degree in chemistry pre-med. She has a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the honors college. She received the National BETA Club and TOPS Honors scholarships and is a member of Louisiana Girls State and the Student Television Hall of Fame.
She graduated high school last year with a 4.41 GPA and was valedictorian and Student of the Year. Her hobbies include reading, Life Teen band, playing guitar, traveling, cooking, and playing racquetball.
“Joining Life Teen band at St. Theresa Catholic Church was the greatest event of my past year,” Fruge commented. “This program has allowed me to grow closer to my faith, and I am forever grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer more in my church.”
After obtaining her degree, Fruge plans to become an endocrinologist and work with children who are battling diabetes.
The first runner-up at Saturday’s Coronation was Erin Danielle Peavy of DeRidder representing The Beauregard Parish Fair. She is the daughter of Scott and Erin Ann Peavy of Rosepine and the granddaughter of J.W. and Alice Person.
“As a very young girl,” she said, “I was fortunate enough to meet Queen Cotton, and I was inspired to follow in her footsteps to inspire others like she inspired me.”
She continued, “I think the greatest event of my past year has been sharing my personal adversity with others because it has given me the hope that I can change their lives for the better.”
Peavy is a junior in college and is working toward a degree in sociology with a concentration in family and child studies. She was elected philathropy chair of Alpha Delta Pi sorority as a freshman and has won “largest team” and “Best T-shirt” at the Distance for Diabetes Walk.
Some of her other accomplishments include making the president’s honors list, coaching in the Jennie Finch World Series, and being able to make her nephew Jude Pierre laugh for the first time.
Peavy’s hobbies are being a “fur mama” to her pet yorkie Marilyn, making killer red velvet cupcakes, and being an armchair Jeopardy! champion.
Her future plans after college are devoting her efforts to a career in law enforcement because of her protective nature.
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TONY MARKS Associate Editor