![\"Queen](\"https:\/\/www.thevwindependent.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/2014-Peony-Pageant-Queen-Chelsea.jpg\")
<\/a>Hancock, daughter of Eric and Danille Hancock, said she was cautiously optimistic during the pageant and was happy to just be a part of a storied community tradition that dates back to the 1930s.<\/p>\n
That unselfish personality and bubbly demeanor also earned Hancock the title of Miss Congeniality, an honor she was happy to accept from the seven other pageant contestants.<\/p>\n
With that cautious optimism, Hancock was hoping to hear her name announced as Queen Jubilee, but also said she knew she was up against some tough competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did really want to hear my name, but, honestly, there are just so many great candidates this year that I would have been happy for any of them,\u201d Hancock said. \u201cThey are all truly great girls and I\u2019m so glad we all got to become friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hancock is more than happy to share the spotlight with the state basketball champion Crestview Knights, who she proudly called out during her introduction to the audience. \u201cI\u2019m proudly representing the Division IV state champions. Go Knights!\u201d she enthusiastically said during the opening of the pageant.<\/p>\n
Calling the candidates the \u201cbest and the brightest of our community,\u201d emcee Susan Burchfield was her usual witty self as she introduced each contestant and highlighted their activities and community involvement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe girls here tonight are already winners and have been chosen by their schools to participate in the pageant,\u201d Burchfield said. \u201cThese eight women have been working very hard to perfect their performances, to choose their evening gowns and to prepare for the question and answer period. You are going to see the best and the brightest of our community tonight performing for you.\u201d<\/p>\n That they did.<\/p>\n Each of the contestants\u2019 achievements and activities were highlighted, as was their talents, which ranged from a touch of the tuba to lyrical and jazz dance performances.<\/p>\n Hancock chose a mesmerizing solo on the Celtic harp that drew thunderous applause from the audience, but it was Spencerville senior Elizabeth Griffin who brought the house down during the talent portion of the competition with a stunning vocal solo performance. Griffin, daughter of Robert and Janis Griffin, would later be announced the talent winner, as well as first runner-up.<\/p>\n Second runner-up was Claire Gamble, daughter of Jay and Tonia Gamble and a senior at Van Wert High School.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Hancock\u2019s already busy schedule is about to become even busier, as she will be representing the community during several Peony Festival-related appearances and activities, capped off by the annual festival itself in June.<\/p>\n<\/a>