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        For information contact: Carl Meiss, Public Relations Director  Ph: (717)-737-8855 or (800)-552-3865

Email: publicrelations@pagrange.org

July 9, 2007

 

Howard, PA - The highlight of the annual PA State Junior Grange Camp is always the coronation of the new PA State Junior Grange Princess and Prince.

 

Brittany Haag and Braden Gourley

2007-2008 PA State JUnior Grange Princess and Prince

 

On Friday, July 6, 2007, the PA State Junior Grange named Brittany Haag as its Princess and Braden Gourley as its Prince for 2007-2008.

 

Brittany is the 13 year-old daughter of David and Mary Haag of Mohrsville, Berks County.  She is a member of Marion Junior Grange #344 in Stouchsburg. 

 

Brittany is going into the 8th grade at Schuylkill Valley Middle School where she participates in band, chorus, select chorus, select band and student council.  She is also active in her church youth group and church band and she shows cattle in 4-H.  After her coronation she said, "I cannot believe what has just happened to me.  Being your 2007-2008 PA Junior Grange Princess is a great honor.  Going to camp and being with friends is great but having this honor is best..."

 

Braden is from Hookstown, Beaver County and is 14 years old.  His parents are George and Barbara Gourley.  Braden is entering the 9th grade at South Side Area High School where he is involved in Czech Ambassador, world affairs, track, basketball, marching band and student council.  He is a member of Hookstown Junior Grange #181.  He is also active in his church, bell choir, art club and he plays the piano.  He said, "I am honored to be your 2007-2008 PA State Junior Grange Prince.  I hope that I will be as great as Matt [Matt Werley, immediate past Prince]

 

Thanks to all my supporters, especially my family, judges and Beaver Countians."

 

Hannah Pratt from Venango County was named as 1st Runner-up for Princess and Alex Mauldin of Mercer County was named 1st Runner-up for Prince.

 

The PA State Junior Grange Royalty is chosen every year at Junior Grange Camp, held this year at Camp Sylvan Hills Christian Camp in Howard, PA.  All 13 and 14 year-old campers are eligible to run for the titles.  The finalists are selected from the results of a "Grange Knowledge" test given at camp.  The contestants are then judged on an individual interview, impromptu question, and the judges' impressions of the Junior Grangers.

 

The Junior Grange Princess and Prince's responsibilities are to promote the Grange as well as the Junior Grange.  They will be required to attend Ag Progress Days in State College in August 2007, the 2007 PA State Grange Session in October in Williamsport, the 2008 PA State Farm Show in Harrisburg, the PA State Grange Planning Meeting in Spring 2008, and next year's PA State Junior Grange Camp, as well as other functions and events around the Commonwealth.

 

The Grange is a family fraternal organization dedicated to the betterment of the American quality of life through community service, education, legislation and fellowship.  The Grange includes members of all ages from their Junior Grange (ages 5-14), Youth Members (ages 14-23), Young Adults (ages 21-35) and Regular Community (local) members (age 14 and up).  The Grange represents approximately 15,000 Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth.  It is the oldest agricultural and rural advocacy organization of its kind in the United States.  The National Grange (Patrons of Husbandry), representing about 150,000 members, began in 1867 and the PA State Grange was chartered in 1873.