The following story was written by a student as part of the Conroe ISD Student Journalism Network.
By: Brooke Kauffmann, Conroe High School Junior
Photos Courtesy of Montgomery County Fair Photography Committee
CONROE, TEXAS (April 22, 2025) - Montgomery County Fair crowned a new queen, and the excitement surrounding the event was palpable. Junior Avery McCartney made her mark by bringing the title to Conroe High for the first time since 2013.
Although this was her inaugural run for fair queen, Avery's journey was anything but ordinary. Junior year is the only year candidates are allowed to compete, and she embraced the opportunity with open arms.
When Avery's name was announced as the winner, a wave of emotions washed over her.
"I was so excited and very emotional," she said. “The whole process was amazing and I met some of my best friends.”
The thrill of victory was not just about the crown; it symbolized a personal triumph over challenges she had faced in the past year. Avery's inspiration to compete stemmed from a difficult period in her life. After becoming seriously ill last year, her confidence took a significant hit.
"I wanted the competition to help me gain my confidence back and inspire anyone else going through a struggle," she said.
The competition itself was a whirlwind of events and activities. Each month included mandatory meetings, culminating in the Go Texan parade, where candidates showcased their spirit and dedication. On competition day, Avery delivered a 2-3 minute memorized speech to the audience, along with a personal interview that tested her poise and passion.
“I think what set me apart was my empowering story and my speech was unique because when they asked ‘What does the Montgomery County Fair mean to you?’ I defined the word FAIR and turned it into an acronym,” Avery said.
Throughout this transformative experience, Avery found unwavering support from her friends and family. Their encouragement meant the world to her, providing a solid foundation as she pursued her dream of becoming the Montgomery County Fair Queen.
“All of my friends and family supported me so much,” Avery said. “Their support means the world to me and if they did not push me to achieve what I put my mind to, then I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Preparation for the competition was a holistic experience for Avery. She focused on her mental, emotional, and physical well-being, guided by the belief that "all things happen for a reason." This mindset helped her navigate the challenges leading up to the event and reinforced her commitment to the journey, as well as inspiring others following in her footsteps.
“The message that I have for other young women is GO FOR IT! If you want to do it then there is absolutely nothing stopping you. It is such an amazing experience and you will gain so many new friends along the way,” Avery said.