ALAMOSA— Center High School senior Malyka Medina, was crowned the 71st Spud Bowl Queen at halftime during the Adams State University (ASU) vs. Colorado School of Mines football game on Nov. 4.
The Spud Bowl tradition began in 1946, when the potato farmers in the Valley were asked to contribute sacks of spuds to the university, which, in turn, were converted into cash to supplement the athletic program. The tradition and spirit have continued, and Spud Bowl remains a highlight of each football season.
Each year, San Luis Valley high schools are asked to nominate a senior candidate for Spud Bowl Queen. The candidates are interviewed during the morning by a panel of judges, and the winner is selected and announced at Center High School senior Malyka Medina, was crowned the 71st Spud Bowl Queen at halftime during the Adams State University (ASU) vs. Colorado School of Mines football game on Nov. 4.
The Spud Bowl tradition began in 1946, when the potato farmers in the Valley were asked to contribute sacks of spuds to the university, which, in turn, were converted into cash to supplement the athletic program. The tradition and spirit have continued, and Spud Bowl remains a highlight of each football season.
Each year, San Luis Valley high schools are asked to nominate a senior candidate for Spud Bowl Queen. The candidates are interviewed during the morning by a panel of judges, and the winner is selected and announced at halftime of the football game.
The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee and Adams State award scholarships consisting of $1,000 to Adams State to each contestant and $2,000 to Adams State to the Spud Bowl Queen. Medina was chosen from among 10 candidates selected from Valley schools.
She was one of nine girls chosen to interview for Spud Queen at Center Schools. After being selected as the Center candidate, Medina said school counselor Adele Alfson helped her prepare for the interview and arranged for her to have a free manicure.
“You’re nervous and have butterflies, then go to the interview and just do your best,” she said. “The judges were really nice and it was a great atmosphere.” Medina says she has plans to become a pharmacist and will use her $2,000 scholarship to enter either chemistry or pre-pharmacy at ASU.
“Malyka had a great interview with the local selection committee and was very coachable,” Alfson emailed Tuesday. “It was exciting to see her enthusiasm for Adams State University (since she is currently taking courses on the main campus now) as a current and future student. She works well with other students in organizations on campus for the general good of the school and community, and I am confident that she will one day give back to those around her as a future pharmacist.”
“I am so excited that Malyka is representing Center High School and the town as the 2017 Spud Bowl Queen,” Center teacher Susan Banning wrote in an email. “Malyka is energetic and passionate about her future career as a pharmacist. She plans to return to rural Colorado as a pharmacist to help people especially those with diabetes.”
The award will make a great addition to her college resume, Medina said, and also will help her get her name out there to other colleges. “I am really thankful for this opportunity,” she commented.
The candidates nominated form other school included Alana Hackett, Alamosa High School; Joslyn Garcia, Antonito High School; Caroline Van Berkum, Centauri High School; Jessica Gamboa, Centennial High School; Malyka Medina, Center High School; Ila Jolly, Del Norte High School; Lesli Lopez Gonzalez, Monte Vista High School; Caitlyn Paine, Sanford High School; Kadee Crowther, Sargent High School; and Nina Vigil, Sierra Grande High School.
Judges for this year’s contest were Roger Mix and Matt Seger, Colorado Potato Administrative Committee and Tammy Lopez, Adams State University executive director of the ASU Foundation.