Lady In Waiting
Ella Katherine Freels
Ella is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Chris Freels of McAllen.
Ella attends Pepperdine University in Malibu, California where she is a member of the pre-business administration society. She is a George Pepperdine Achievement Scholar and an International Programs Study Abroad student. At Pepperdine, Ella is a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority - Zeta Phi Chapter. Ella graduated Cum Laude with a diploma from the International Baccalaureate Programme at McAllen High School. She was an AP Scholar and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Fundraising Student of the Year in 2022. Ella was a steer exhibitor in the McAllen FFA and Valley West 4-H, an extemporaneous debate speaker for the National Hispanic Institute, and a dancer at Melba’s Dance School for 12 years.
Her great- grandfather, Utah Dickerson, along with her uncles and cousins are all part of the Dickerson and Belcher farming families. Her Father, Dr. Chris Freels, owns orchards in Donna and Weslaco and raises show steer with her brother, Sawyer Freels.
Lady In Waiting
Maria De Jesus Ruiz
Maria is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Josue Ruiz of La Feria.
Maria attends Texas A&M University in College Station. She hopes to pursue a career in nursing. Maria was awarded the President’s Achievement Scholarship and is a Regent Scholar. She is the Service Director for Aggie Arrows at Texas A&M where they promote diversity and selfless service. She also volunteers with Emergency Care where they help TAMU EMS. When Maria isn’t studying, she enjoys volunteering and making jewelry. Maria graduated from Harlingen High School South in 2022; some of her high school achievements include graduating in the Top 10% of her class, being elected as Class Treasurer and making the Honor Roll. She was a member of the National Honor Society, a Varsity cheerleader and member of PTSA.
Maria’s family involvement with the agricultural community in the Rio Grande Valley starts with her grandfather, Jose Bernabe Ruiz. He founded Mid Valley Agriculture in 1988. Her father, Josue, and Uncle Sam Ruiz continue to run the farm where they grow cotton, corn, sorghum, soybean, sugar cane, sesame and vegetables. In 2014, the Ruiz brothers were awarded the honor of growing the first certified cotton bale. Maria’s family also runs a cattle operation, Ruiz Land and Cattle.
Lady In Waiting
Mariana Ruiz
Mariana is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Josue Ruiz of La Feria.
Mariana attends Texas A&M University in College Station. After she obtains her undergraduate degree, she hopes to pursue a doctorate in Dental Medicine. Mariana was awarded the President’s Achievement Scholarship, the Regents’ Scholarship, and the Administrative Realignment Biomedical Sciences Scholarship. At Texas A&M, she is a distinguished member of the Pre-Dental Society and the Biomedical Science Association. In January, she will participate in a mission trip to Panama with the Texas A&M Global Dental Brigade, which aims to provide pro-bono dental hygiene services to families in need. In her spare time, Mariana enjoys painting and volunteering through various university organized groups. A graduate of Harlingen High School South, Mariana was in the top 10% of her graduating class. She was the class Historian and cheerleader for 4 years, serving as Varsity Captain in her senior year.
Mariana’s grandfather, Jose Ruiz, founded Mid Valley Agriculture in 1988. The farm continues to be run by her father, Josue Ruiz, and her uncle, Sam Ruiz. In 2014, the Ruiz brothers were awarded the honor of growing the first certified cotton bale. They continue to grow cotton, corn, sorghum, sugarcane, sesame, and vegetables. Mariana’s family also operates Ruiz Land and Cattle.
Lady In Waiting
Savannah Joy Patterson
Savannah is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay and Tracia Patterson of Harlingen.
Savannah attends the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton, where she is majoring in Nursing. She would like to become a labor and delivery nurse or a neonatal intensive care nurse. Savannah is an active member of the Nursing Student Association and First Year Collective for first year students through leadership, spiritual growth and school spirit. In her spare time, Savannah enjoys hunting, fishing, playing tennis and traveling to new places. Savannah is a 2022 graduate of Harlingen High School, where she was a varsity tennis player throughout her four years. She was a member of the Arroyo 4 H Club participating in shooting events, where she qualified and competed at the State Competition in Victoria.
Savannah’s great Grandparents, Ralph and Ola Joy Hixson, were dairy farmers in Arkansas for over 40 years, where they also farmed cotton, ryegrass and alfalfa. She is grateful for the inspiration and lasting impact that her farming family has contributed to her life and the agricultural industry.
Lady In Waiting
Hollyn Finnelle Lofton
Hollyn is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Lofton of Harlingen.
Hollyn attends Texas State University and is majoring in Public Relations, where she plans to pursue a career in real estate. She is a chapter member in the Delta Gamma Sorority as well as the Bobcat Public Relations Club and Turning Point USA. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, going to the beach and spending time with her sorority sisters. Hollyn graduated from Harlingen High School South in 2022. She was a member of the National Honor Society, PTSA board member, and a Varsity cheerleader. She was the student of the month in May 2022 and was an Honor Roll student.
Hollyn’s great grandparents contributed to the agricultural community when they moved to the valley in 1923 and farmed Krafka Farms in Rangerville.
Lady In Waiting
Ellington Jane Hull
Ellington is the daughter of Mr. William Hull, IV. and Ms. Jennifer Hull of Harlingen.
Ellington attends the University of Texas at Austin where she is studying Business Finance at McCombs Business School. She is a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and an Honor Roll student. She is also involved with Women in Business and the University Finance Association. This summer she is interning at Texas Regional Bank and preparing to study abroad at the London School of Economics. A graduate of Harlingen High School South, Ellington was the Valedictorian of the 2022 graduating class. She was a cheerleader for 4 years, serving as President of the cheerleading organization in her senior year. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and the President of the National Technical Honor Society. She is the recipient of several scholarships including the RGV Texas Exes Scholarship, Associated General Contractors of Texas Scholarship, and the Texas Trucking Association of Texas Foundation - Mike Craddock Memorial Scholarship. In her free time, Ellington enjoys traveling, volunteering with the after-school program at Zavala Elementary in Austin and babysitting.
The Hull family actively engages in the importation of cotton from Mexico, trucking and marketing. These industries play a critical role in expanding market opportunities for cotton, driving economic growth, and fostering prosperity in our region.