This year’s Peanut Fest Queen has arrived.
Amara Kennedy Oparaji of Suffolk Christian Academy was crowned as the 2024 Peanut Fest Queen during the Suffolk Peanut Fest Queen’s Banquet and Fashions held on Thursday, Oct. 3 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront. Oparaji was in the running amongst a group of equally talented young ladies. Makaila Miller of Nansemond River High School, Kendal Dooley of Suffolk Christian Academy, Skylar Everitt of King’s Fork High School, Katherine Conrod of Nansemond Suffolk Academy, Kara Russell of Lakeland High School, Auburn Masten of King’s Fork High School and Millie Dunbar of Nansemond Suffolk Academy, who will each serve as fellow princesses. After her win, Oparaji recited her creative essay, highlighting this year’s theme of Suffolk’s roots to banquet attendees, city dignitaries and her family.
“Suffolk, Virginia, a city steeped in history and brimming with Southern charm, stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of its people. Nestled in the heart of Coastal Virginia, Suffolk’s roots run deep, intertwining the past with the present and shaping the future. From its humble beginnings as a colonial outpost to its vibrant modem-day community, Suffolk embodies the essence of Southern heritage and hospitality,” Oparaji read. “My personal journey through Suffolk is a tapestry entwined with cherished memories and deep-rooted connections. Growing up amidst the cobblestone streets of historic downtown Suffolk, I was immersed in the rich history of our city. From childhood adventures exploring the Riddick’s Folly House Museum to Saturday dinners with relatives scattered throughout Suffolk, every comer of our city held a piece of our shared heritage.”
Oparaji spoke of the city’s history being significant to her, noting its intertwining with the diverse backgrounds of her family.
“My father, coming from Nigeria, and my mother, a native of South Carolina, made the bold decision to build their home in Suffolk. It’s a place where their paths converged, and where they laid down roots to raise my twin brother and me,” she read. “My grandfather’s involvement in city council provided a unique perspective on the inner workings of our town, instilling in me a deep sense of civic pride and responsibility. Some of my fondest memories are of spending time with my family, especially my grandfather. As a young child, my brother and I would eagerly accompany him to the local Sweet Frog on Main Street, indulging in sweet treats while listening to his stories of Suffolk’s past. These simple moments hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy and camaraderie that define life in Suffolk.”
Following the ceremony, Oparaji alongside her mother Tammie Oparaji, her father Albert Oparaji and her twin brother Albert Oparaji Jr. each had a chance to comment on the big moment. Oparaji says that she was in “shock.”
“I knew when I went on stage and when my little question, I forgot a part of it. I was like, ‘It’s already over, whatever happens, happens and I would’ve been happy for whoever became the Queen.’ And so when they called my name, I was in absolute shock. I was like, ‘Wow…’ I was so proud of myself because this is a huge accomplishment,” Oparaji said. “It was all in God’s hands and I am so glad that … I am just blessed by my family and just so thankful for the opportunity.”
Tammie Oparaji expressed the excitement she and Albert felt while also encouraging their children to follow their dreams.
“But just know that we tell our children all the time to always choose your dreams and just go for it. The sky’s the limit and don’t ever let somebody tell you ‘No,’” Tammie Oparaji said.
Albert Oparaji says he is always proud of his children.
“She has done well, we encourage them to be themselves, to do the best they can and this is a testament to how hard work and involvement in the community actually paves the way for a lot of stuff,” Albert Oparaji said. “Our family believe[s] in volunteerism. We believe in assisting, helping, trying to improve the community we live in. Being a part of the Peanut Festival, it will also help us to embrace all the good things that Suffolk has to offer.”
On seeing his sister crowned Queen of the Peanut Fest, Oparaji Jr. says he is very excited for his sister.
“She’s a perfect fit to represent Suffolk, especially the Peanut Fest. The Peanut Fest is like a big event that happens every single year, and just to have my sister be a part of a big event, just to represent Suffolk is really a great thing to see,” Oparaji Jr. “Because hard work pays off and hard work brings great success, and I thank God that he’s allowed this work to happen with my sister and I can’t wait to see what else she does next in the future.”
Likewise, 2024 Suffolk Peanut Fest Chairman Scott Wiggins also commented on Oparaji as this year’s Queen, while also commending the princesses.
“We are thrilled to have such a lovely group of young ladies representing Suffolk Peanut Fest this year,” Wiggins said. “Our 2024 Queen, Amara Kennedy Oparaji, is setting a great example of what hard work and kindness means for our community.”
The post SCA student crowned as 2024 Peanut Fest Queen appeared first on The Suffolk News-Herald .
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