Jr. Citizen of the Year goes to Kristen Franki

Juan A. Navejar Jr.

Surprised is putting it mildly for Kristen Franki as she was named the 2012 Jr. Citizen of the Year at the Alice Chamber of Commerce Banquet.
“I was not expecting it but was deep down thinking about it,” Franki said. “For the last two weeks I kept thinking I wonder if it’s me.”
Frank serves as the National Honor Society President, Top 20 Coyote Scholar, Academic Decathlon, Honors Band member, All A Honor Roll, National Society of High School Scholars and member of the Chess Team and Yote Howl Newspaper.
Thirteen students were selected by teachers and counselors at Alice High School as candidates for the Jr. Citizen of the Year. The candidates were Katrina Cantu, Jesus Carrasco, Uriel Chapa, Bonnie Christiansen, Cecelia Eberhard, Kristen Franki, Lauryn Guerra, 
Michael Ryan Pakebusch, Pilar Resendez, Samantha Sauceda, Vanna Vasquez, Alisa Zambrano and  Syrena Zamora 
All of the candidates met before a panel of judges who narrowed the field down to five. The five finalists were Eberhard, Franki, Pakebusch, Resendez and Zamora. Aside the panel of judges, the five finalists met before the Chamber board for the final selection was made.
Each student had to write an essay as part of the selection process. The students are judged on their essays and extra-curricular activities.
The 13 candidates also competed for the Lowell Hunt Memorial Scholarship presented by the Alice Echo-News Journal for their essay competition. This year’s Lowell Hunt Scholarship was awarded to Pilar Resendez.
Franki was also presented the Franke Funke Scholarship by Wells Fargo Bank during the banquet. Franki is the daughter of Greg & Gaynell Franki. Her community services included City Council Campaign, Pentathlon & Octathlon, Relay For Life, Public Library, Lutheran Church and Boys & Girls Club.