Spielman crowned Lamb Derby queen

The 2008 Lamb Derby Queen pageant was a highlight of the weeklong festival in Willows on Thursday.

Nine contestants for Lamb Derby Queen dazzled the judges, but it was Amanda Spielman, 17, who took home the crown.

Spielman is the granddaughter of Wally and 1996 Lamb Derby Grand Marshal Dee Spielman and daughter of Paula and Larry Lerstang.

The Willows High School junior ran for Mini Miss at age five and said being in the Lamb Derby Queen pageant was a lifelong dream.

As queen, Spielman reigned over the remaining Lamb Derby weekend events. She will remain actively involved in town events over the next 12 months and take part in the planning of next year’s Lamb Derby festivities.

“It’s a great opportunity to be on the other side of the table,” Spielman said. “It’s also an opportunity to be a great role model for young girls.”

Spielman, who was crowned by 2007 Lamb Derby Charli Wagenmen, will receive a $500 scholarship. Spielman plans to attend community college in San Francisco before transferring to the Pacific University, in Oregon, to become a physical therapist.

Spielman was regal in a wine-colored formal gown as her grandfather walked her on stage. She was judged on poise, talent and communication skills.

Yet, it was her rendition of the song, “Fever,” accompanied by Tex Ash on the bass fiddle, that received thunderous applause from the audience and wowed the judges.

Spielman was joined on stage by Megan Freeman, Shayla Galbraith, Kayla Bouldin, Bianca Ramirez, Christina Mossman, Mallory Alves, Emily Srilavong, and Melissa Whitney.

In keeping with the theme of “75 Years Remembered,” in honor of Lamb Derby’s lengthy presence in Willows, each of the girls center their question period on past Lamb Derby themes.

Mardi Graw, Wizard of Oz, Broadway, Colorful California were among the chosen themes.

Whitney, 17, the daughter of Mike and Kelly Whitney, was crowned first runner-up.

Whitney’s talent was reading a prologue of a book she has written, teasing the audience by snapping the spine closed and telling them to “buy the book” if they want to hear the rest.

Whitney will received a $250 scholarship and will take over the duties of queen if Spielman is unable to continue.

Whitney, who wore a cream-colored evening gown when she was escorted on stage by her father, plans to attend a four-year college and major in cinematography and literature. She also hopes to write books and poems.

Srilavong, 17, daughter of Bounpone Srilavong and Vahn Pannyasee, was chosen Miss Congeniality by the queen contestants.

Srilavong received a $150 scholarship, which she hopes to use when she attends Santa Monica’s Culinary Arts School.

The queen pageant was highlighted by the performances of Rick Allen, Hillary Goss, and Miss Butte County.

Judge Don Byrd served as Master of Ceremonies.

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