| The
2005 Idaho County Fair Royalty
By Lorie Palmer, Idaho County Free Press From the Premium Book 
“I know almost everyone and am related to half of them – great for family reunions but a little rough for dating,” she laughed. The 16-year old daughter of Greg and Colleen Sonnen will be a junior at Prairie High School this fall. She is involved in Business Professionals of America, volleyball, basketball, softball, Prairie League, Zoo Crew and works as a teacher’s aide. She is also involved in 4-H where she works mostly with consumer science projects. Sonnen fondly remembers the spring show where she handed out a ribbon to her cousin, Nathan. “As I was walking away, I thought if would be funny to give his steer a little tug so it would chase me,” she recalled. “I ‘gracefully’ hopped away as he laughed at me. But, hey, at least I will be ready for him at the fair!” Sonnen plans to attend the University of Idaho once she graduates. In the meantime she plans to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga., and the 4-H Citizenship Focus in Washington, D.C. Next summer she also hopes to serve as a Senate page. Sonnen said the responsibility of royalty is “great for all young ladies. It teaches responsibility, organization, leadership and social skills.” “Not only has my self-confidence improved during the year, but so have my social skills,” she emphasized. “I am no longer afraid to walk around at a fair and start a conversation with people I don’t know. I love to go places and meet new people and royalty played a part in that.” Sonnen leaves words of wisdom from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” FIRST PRINCESS AMANDA By Lorie Palmer, Idaho County Free Press From the Premium Book Cook, 17, is a Grangeville High School junior. She is a varsity football and basketball cheerleader and is involved in pep band. She also helps teach junior high dance.  The
daughter of Dan and Lynn Cook said she has enjoyed the year in many ways,
especially getting to know her fellow royalty members.
“They have become some of my best friends and I have a blast hanging out with them.” Cook said. “I also think that building the float and using the power tools was a great experience that I enjoyed learning to do.” Cook enjoys riding horses, dancing, listening to music and scrapbooking. She has been involved in her community with the library summer reading program and helping with the annual Halloween party. After graduation she plans to pursue a degree in counseling or child psychology. When asked about her most embarrassing moment as royalty, Cook remembers when her parents were pulling the float for the first time in Lewis County. “We went through the parade route the first time and we were on our way back through,” she explained. “Well, we almost made it through when a lady and her little dog ran in front of us making my dad slam on the brakes.” “He said he just ‘tapped’ them, but I beg to differ,” she laughed. “I was caught off-guard and I fell on the umbrella on Carolyn’s step.” Cook said she would definitely encourage others to try out for royalty. “It’s been a great opportunity to go to many activities in Idaho County and I have met a lot of people and gained several lifelong friendships,” she said. SECOND PRINCESS SARAH By Lorie Palmer, Idaho County Free Press From the Premium Book 
Forsmann, the daughter of Joe and Rene’ Forsmann, is a junior at Prairie High School. She plays volleyball and is on student council. When she graduates, she plans to attend Boise State University and major in psychology. “My biggest goal is to never lose my spontaneity and free spirit, and to live my life to the fullest, learn from my mistakes and never regret any of them,” Forsmann said. She said growing up in a small town has allowed her to “do things for myself.” “You learn to do things like change tires and gas up your own car and maybe fix whatever it is that needs fixing on your own,” she said. Forsmann recalled a parade in Nezperce when she was “taking a little break on a stump in someone’s yard.” “Well, it turns out that when I went to get up, Amanda [Cook] decided she wanted jump on my lap,” Forsmann smiled. “So as I was getting up she jumped on me, I hit my gluteus maximus on the stump and we both fell to the ground. How’s that for graceful?” Forsmann gave a hint to young ladies who will be trying out for royalty this year: “The judges like humor!” “Being a princess is hard work, but it doesn’t change who you are unless you let it,” Forsmann added. “Royalty isn’t about looking pretty and getting all of the attention, it’s about great experiences.” |
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