Duchess of Cameron County
Hannah Chayse Swartzell
Hannah is the daughter of Mr. Eric Swartzell and Ms. Cari Bearden-Williams of Corinth.
Hannah attends the Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas. She was awarded New Arkansan Scholarship for 2022-2023 and is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. A graduate of Flower Mound High School, Hannah was a 3-year member of the Flower Mound High School Rosette Drill Team. She served as President and Historian of the Rosette’s, and of the Social Officers Line. She was awarded the Rosette’s Outstanding Senior of the Year in 2022, as well as their Heart Award for two consecutive years. Hannah was an ambassador for MVMZ 4 Kids, helping to fundraise for a local children’s shelter by providing food.
Hannah’s grandfather, Steve Bearden is a third generation farmer of cotton, grain, vegetables, and sugar cane in the Rio Grande Valley. Steve and Pat received an award for Young Farmers and Ranchers by the Texas Farm Bureau in 1981. Her Great-Great Grandfather farmed the World’s 1st bale in 1940 and her Great-Grandfather was named American Cotton Farmer of the year in 1978.
Duchess of Hidalgo County
Lillian Curry Janik
Lillian is the daughter of Mr. Jeff Janik and Mrs. Kristen Hansen Brogdon of Harlingen.
Lillian attends Texas A&M University in College Station. She was awarded the honor of being on the Dean’s List this past year. Lillian is a Biomedical Science major, where she is a small group leader. She hopes to pursue a career in the medical field. She is actively involved in Aggie Sisters in Healthcare and attends First Baptist Church in Bryan. Lillian graduated from the Harlingen School of Health Professions in 2022, where she was ranked 3rd in her class. Some of her high school achievements include obtaining a Licensed Vocational nursing degree through Valley Baptist Medical Center; she was also the recipient of top clinical achievement and top overall achievement from Valley Baptist vocational nursing school in conjunction with HSHP.
Lillian’s family has been deeply involved in agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley for over 80 years. Her maternal grandfather, Doug Hansen, was a second-generation farmer raising cotton, corn, grain, sorghum, and sugar cane in the San Benito/Rangerville area.
Lillian’s father, Jeff Janik, has been involved in agriculture in several different aspects of his life including working as a foreman at Emery Farms in Progreso, being a lead outside salesman at Neuhaus and Company for 19 years and helping to further the knowledge and technology for Hidalgo farmers through the use of John Deere equipment. He was co-owner of B&J custom harvesting, traveling throughout Texas and Mississippi picking cotton and combining grain. Now working for BWI wholesale, alongside his work at Reid farms, he remains active in the agriculture industry.
Duchess of Willacy County
Mackenzie Eriana Butler
Mackenzie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Butler of Raymondville.
Mackenzie attends Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi where she will be a sophomore next year. A graduate of Lyford High School in 2022, Mackenzie was a 4 year FFA Showman and Member, she played the drums as a member of the Lasara band, competed on the Lyford High School powerlifting team and was a member of the debate team. In her spare time, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling and trying new things.
Mackenzie comes from a family with deep roots in the agriculture and farming industry. Her great-grandfather, Anastacio Martinez, dedicated his life’s work to agriculture and farming in the Lyford / Santa Monica area of Willacy County. Her grandmother, Ana Butler, is a Ranch Manager, north of Raymondville and her great-uncle, Joe A. Rodriguez, was a Texas farmer for many years as well. Mackenzie’s father has been involved with Willacy County Young Farmers for more than 20 years, serving as President of the organization for half of his tenure, and continues to
be chairman today.