Articles on this page by Lorie Palmer Idaho County Free Press (From the2008 Idaho County Fair Premium Book) “Both my mom and sister (Teresa Rasmussen Groom and Tesse Groom Pineda) were also Idaho County Fair Queens,” Groom said. Groom is a senior at Grangeville High School and is the daughter of Rob and Teresa Groom. She is the youngest of four siblings which includes sister Tesse Pineda, 23, and brothers Clay, 22, and Mason, 20. She is also the granddaughter of Flora Jane and Jim McCoy of Harpster and John and Lillian Groom of Grangeville. “Being a part of royalty this past year has taught me tremendous lessons about myself and just how much I can handle,: Groom said. “I have grown far more in one year than I thought possible and seeing the glow in the eyes of the girls who look up to us as role models is the greatest reward I have ever reaped.” Groom is a member of This and That 4-H Club and has participated in volleyball and softball at GHS and also served as wrestling statistician. She was junior class representative, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America secretary, a member of Business Professionals of America and National Honor Society and was elected by her peers to serve as Associated Student Body President of the 2008-09 school year. Groom said she is outgoing, but can be shy around groups of new people, but “with being royalty you learn a great deal about yourself.” Groom is employed by Oscar’s Restaurant as a waitress and is a Tribune carrier. She is a member of the Sts. Peter & Paul High School Youth Group and is a Making the Most of Me project leader. One of Groom’s fondest memories of traveling in parades on the Idaho County Fair Royalty’s Monopoly-themed float was the group’s first parade with the float in Asotin. “We were very excited to show it off,” Groom said. “We has decided to use wood cutouts of a dollar sign to grip onto for balance, which I thought was a great idea until some man in the crowd yelled ‘hang onto that money, girls!’ All of us heard it and couldn’t help but laugh. All you can do in those situations is smile and wave.” Groom said the year has been “a blast” representing Idaho County and she “greatly” appreciates those who donated time and energy to help throughout the year. ‘Whether is was a large project or a simple task, their efforts pushed us through the most hectic times,” Groom emphasized. “I wouldn’t have made it without them!” Second Princess Katrina Baune  Baune, a senior at Grangeville High School, said she has had the opportunity to get to know “two fabulous girls,” in her fellow royalty members, as well as the enjoyment of participating in a variety of parades and 4-H events. Baune is the daughter of Mark and Tracy Baune and has a younger sister, Sarah, who is 13 and going into the eighth grade at Grangeville Elementary Middle School. Baune has been involved in tennis and drama at GHS and also enjoys participating in trapshooting, swim team and the This and That 4-H Club. Baune has said she has not only had the chance to hone her public speaking abilities and therefore, improve her self-confidence, but has also had the change to “learn that I have a lot to learn.” Baune has volunteered for Sts. Peter & Paul Church and her 4-H Club and works for her dad on the family’s Grangeville farm. Before she is 30, Baune has the goals of traveling to New Zealand, going on a rafting trip and visiting a spa. Second Princess Kayla Lorentz  The Idaho County Fair second princess is a 2008 graduate of Prairie High School and is the daughter of Rusty and Laurie Lorentz. She has three siblings: April, 28; Jake, 26; and Troy, 14. She is the granddaughter of Joyce and the late Ralph Lorentz of Cottonwood and Edna Johnston. “My experience has meant a lot to me,” Lorentz said. “It has increased my responsibility and also allowed me to grow closer to my family.” Lorentz participated in track at PHS and was also involved in Drug and Alcohol Free Group and Business Professionals of America. She is a member of the Indoor/Outdoor 4-H Club and is employed by the Cottonwood Chronicle. One of Lorentz’ funniest moments during her reign was at the Asotin parade. “All the kids thought our float backboard was Frosty the Snowman instead of Mr. Monopoly,” she smiled. In September, Lorentz plans to attend cosmetology school in Lewiston. |
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