Conklin crowned 81st Queen Nicotina
North Point senior represented title at fair
For many residents, the Charles County Fair Queen Nicotina pageant is a favorite. On Sept. 15, residents welcomed their new Queen Nicotina, Jensen Conklin, 17, during the pageant and she is determined to make her reign a memorable one.
Conklin — crowned the 81st Queen Nicotina — won a $1,000 scholarship from PNC Bank and was crowned by 2015 winner Marie Ammar, 18, a La Plata High School graduate. Conklin, who is a senior at North Point High School, also received the Queen’s robe and scepter before giving her speech in front of her court and attendees.
“Conklin was such a sweet young lady and outgoing,” said Louise Stine, a fair board director. “She has a bubbly personality and is a delight to have around. She assisted us with anything we asked her to do throughout the fair.”
Conklin reigned over the 93rd Charles County Fair, which concluded on Sunday. On Sept. 9, a panel of judges interviewed all nominees and selected the queen and her court for the coronation ceremony held last Thursday.
Stine said the judges had a difficult choice this year, and they even chose to bring several contestants back for more questions before naming Queen Nictotina for 2016. The queen is selected on the basis of scholastic achievement, extra-curricular activities, poise and appearance, personal interview and presentation.
Conklin participates in many extracurricular activities at school including National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, North Point Varsity Field Hockey, SkillsUSA and Student Government Association. She also participates in a volunteer program at University of Mar yland Charles Regional Medical Center and is a seventh grade teacher’s aide at St. Peter’s School.
“I spent my entire life in Charles County so I’ve always wanted to be in the Queen Nicotina pageant,” Conklin said. “I remember the shock taking over me and having to stand up to accept the award to be the next Queen Nicotina. I was nervous but I was completely confident in all of my answers during my interview with the judges.”
Conklin has received many awards: principal’s honor roll, the North Point field hockey sportsmanship award, an academic letter and pin and the All SMAC Award for field hockey in 2015. She was accepted in the North Point High School STI (Science, Technology and Industry) program for Academy of Health Professions. By the time she graduates in the spring, she will be a certified nursing assistant.
“I have always been very proud of all these young ladies,” Stine said. “They were all very well educated, active in the community and their schools. They should be proud of all their accomplishments. The citizens should be proud that we have a lot of wonderful people in this community.”
Conklin was extremely proud to be sponsored by Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department Station 3. She said that particular fire department has had a major impact on her family.
“Many years ago, my great grandfather started the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department Station 3,” Conklin said. “He was the first president and one of the founders of that station so it’s always had a big connection with my family. I grew up on the same road as the fire department, so the sirens were always going by and I grew up listening to the sound of the fire trucks. As a baby, the fire department even helped me when my feet got stuck in my crib. They have always been a great support to me in my life.”
Conklin describes herself as very driven, determined and fearless when it comes to trying new things. She is social and loves interacting with others. She wants people to remember her as a positive influence — whether it be her church members, fellow students or people within her community. She is also currently exploring several colleges with the plan to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Conklin strongly encourages other young women to participate in the Queen Nicotina pageant. She said the pageant was such an amazing opportunity because she met so many great people throughout the process and didn’t let negativity, such as peer pressure, get in her way.
The queen and her court were honored participants throughout the fair. The first runner-up, Rebecca Giannini, 18, sponsored by Greater Waldorf Jaycees and a College of Southern Maryland student, received a $500 scholarship from County First Bank. Second runner-up Madison Stanley, 17, a student at North Point High School and sponsored by the James E. Richmond Science Center, received a $500 scholarship from Community Bank of the Chesapeake.