Nine vie for Lamb Derby crown

Nine Willows High School juniors will be vying for the crown of Lamb Derby Queen when they take to the stage at Memorial Hall on Thursday, May 8, during Willows’ weeklong Lamb Derby extravaganza.

Here is a look at each of the contestants.

Megan Freeman

Freeman is the 16-year-old daughter of Cynthia Freeman and David Hubbersty. She has two older brothers named, Daniel and Joseph and one younger brother named William. At the age of five she was up on the stage at Memorial Hall with a lot of other little girls running for Little Miss and said it’s been a pleasure growing along with these extraordinary young woman and seeing how much each of them has changed.

Freeman is in her third year of being part of the Willows High School Band, third year of being part of the Auxiliary Team, and second year as Flag Captain. This is also her third year of being part of the choir. Freeman is involved with the Friends of the Library, the Educational Talent search, Students Working against tobacco and is volunteer for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, which both of her parents are part of.

After high school, Freeman would like to either open up her own shop where she can sale hand-made jewelry and things or publish some of the stories she has written. Maybe even both.

Emily Christy Srilavong

Srilavong is the 17-year-old daughter of Bounpone Srilavong and Vahn Pannyasee. She has three older siblings whom are Allen, Julie and Michael. She also has three younger siblings named Steven, Victoria and Somboun and two stepsiblings named Phompak and Wulom.

Currently, Srilavong is attending Willows High School and is involved in three school activities such as Culture Club for two years, Choir for three years and Football’s Guardian Angel’s for two years. She is currently treasurer for Culture Club and secretary for Choir. She has earned awards for Choral Excellence and Honor Roll. Srilavong is a 3.0 to 3.49 student.

After graduating from Willows High School, she plans to attend Santa Monica’s Culinary Arts School with an emphasis on Restaurant Management and Culinary Chef.

Shayla Marie Galbraith

Galbraith is the daughter of Jessica and Cesar Sandoval and David James. She is the older sister to Conner Sandoval.

Galbraith said she is excited to be a part of such a historic tradition. It has been her dream since winning the Little Miss Pageant at five years old.

Gailbraith has made it a priority to be active in community activities and receives the most joy by volunteering at the Jesus Center in Chico, because serving others is the biggest blessing.

Following high school, Gailbraith plans to pursue a degree in Interior Design and Photography in San Diego. She is eager to reach for all of her goals and will strive to achieve many extraordinary things.

Kayla Bouldin

Bouldin is the 17-year-old daughter of Loren Bouldin and Raeanne Bouldin, and has one younger sister, Ashley. Bouldin was born in Chico but has lived in Willows her entire life.

Bouldin is currently a junior at Willows High School where she takes college prep classes and has been on honor roll and maintained a 3.5-4.0 GPA.

Bouldin enjoys being active in student government by being the Academic Concerns Officer and Athletics coordinator. She has also enjoyed being in Key Club for the past three years and CSF the past two and plans on remaining in these clubs until she graduates. She was also just honored by being nominated and chosen to be the Willows High Girl’s State delegate, as well as Rotary student of the month.

Bouldin is a lifelong member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church and has been volunteering there as an altar severs since 4th grade.

After graduating, Bouldin plans to attend a junior college where she will complete her general education and from there transfer to UC Berkeley to work towards becoming a doctor.

Bianca Ramirez

Ramirez is the 17-year-old daughter of Baduel and Olivia Ramirez and older sister to Aundrea Ramirez. She was raised in Willows and has grown to be a proud and active member of this community, participating in various organizations.

In school, Ramirez has participated in CSF for two years, Aca Deca for two years, Varsity Tennis for three years, Varsity Soccer for 2 years, and ASB for three years. She currently holds the office of ASB Vice President. She has been in Key Club for three years and currently holds the office of President.

After high school, Ramirez plans to attend SFSU, to major in Communications/Public Relations.

Christina Mossman

Mossman is the 17-year-old daughter of Timothy Mossman and Faith Thompson. She has two older brothers Christopher who is 21 and Andrew who is 19. She has been a cheerleader for nine years and is currently in her eighth year of band.

Mossman is currently the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) president, and last year she was the treasurer. She has volunteered to work with the sparks in Awanas for two years. The church that she attends is OpenGate Christian Fellowship.

After high school, Mossman would like to attend San Francisco State to obtain a teaching credential, where she would like to specialize as an elementary school teacher or an algebra teacher.

Mossman said she would like to teach elementary kids because she loves working with that age group. However, she said she would like to teach algebra because she has learned to love algebra, thanks to Mr. DiGrande.

Mallory Marie Alves

Alves is the 17-year-old daughter of Mike and Karen Alves and the sister to Kevin and Alex Alves. She is currently enrolled as a junior at Willows High School.

Alves has been an active member in school and the community. In her high school years she has been involved in Key Club for two years, a Guardian Angel for one year, and is currently Junior Class Vice President. She has been on the honor roll for all three years obtaining a 3.0-3.49 GPA.

After High School, Alves plans on attending Cabrillo Junior College in Santa Cruz to attain her general education before transferring to a four-year university.

Amanda Rae Spielman

Spielman is the 17-year-old granddaughter of Wally and Dee Spielman, and daughter of Paula and Larry Lerstang. She is the older sister of 13-year-old Brooke and seven-month-old twins Blake and Bailey.

Spielman is currently a junior at Willows High School where she is studying U.S. History, Algebra II, Anatomy, English, Art, Woodshop and Choir. This year is her third year in choir. As a sophomore she was the Choir Secretary, and this year she is currently the Choir President. She also hopes to be chosen next year to fill the position.

In the future, she hopes to attend a community college in San Francisco and then transfer to Pacific University in Oregon in hopes of becoming a Physical Therapist.

Melissa Whitney

Whitney is the 17-year-old daughter of Mike and Kelly Whitney. She has two younger siblings Kaitlin and Austin Whitney. She attends Willows High School where she is involved in softball, cheerleading, and film club. She is also the flag carrier for the Willows High School Band and is an active member of Willows FFA. Whitney will be taking a pig to the Glenn County Fair this year.

Outside of school, Whitney is involved in the Elk Creek 4-H club, the Theatre Company and coaches cheerleading for Willows Youth Football. Her hobbies include writing books and poetry, hanging out with friends and family, reading and working with computer programs such as Brice and Power Point.

Whitney’s special awards and accomplishments include being on the Superintendent’s list, first place for the Swine Carcass Contest, second place for Academic Showcase, and she has two plaques - one for the 4-H Clean Stall Award, for the past four years and one for being a county winner for my 4-H record book.

Her goals after high school are to attend a four-year University and major in Cinematography with minors in English Literature/Creative Writing and Computer Media. Besides college she would like to publish books and poetry.