2015 CRN SWEETHEART
Ms. MacKenzie Holdren
Dad Bobby Holdren, Sweetheart MacKenzie, Mom Kara Holdren
Grandpa C.
C. Lester, Grandma Annie Lester, Grandma Rose Payne, Sister Mackayla
Holdren
Mackenzie Holdren, 18-year-old daughter of Bobby and Kara Holdren of
Fenwick Mountain, will reign as the 2015 Sweetheart of the Cherry River
Navy (CRN). She received her crown and sash in a special ceremony held
at the Sculpture Garden.
Her selection was made by the CRN “Admirals of the Line,” who had
reviewed essays submitted by the girls who hoped to be chosen for this
recognition.
Mackenzie spoke of her reasons for seeking this honor. “I grew up in
Richwood. The Cherry River Festival is such a huge thing for the town.
This event draws tourists and I love meeting new people. Also, the
Cherry River Navy represents the spirit of Richwood. I am happy to be a
part of that. While a student at Richwood Middle School, I learned about
the reason the Navy was founded, about the highway that was built
because of the Admirals. I love the pioneer spirit the Navy represents.
There are many famous people who have been Admirals, even some of our
Presidents. The Navy is a true iconic thing for our town.”
The crown was placed on the head of this newest “Sweetheart” by her
grandfather, C. C. Lester. Lester, a retired educator, is well known as
he was the principal of Richwood Junior High (now middle school) for
many years. Representing the Navy for this annual ceremony were Wally
Howerton, President of the Navy, and David Geier, Chief of Operations.
Mackenzie will be heading to West Virginia University for her freshman
year. She has already amassed 18 credit hours by taking Advanced
Placement Classes while at RHS. She will pursue a degree in political
science, and hopes to then go on to law school. She sees a possible run
for office somewhere in her future, perhaps for Governor or Senator.
Should her plans to earn a law degree materialize, she would like to
work for the government, perhaps in the field of counter-terrorism law.
Mackenzie graduated in the RHS Class of 2015, with cum laude honors. She
received a Promise Scholarship. While she is looking forward to college,
this will be her fi rst time away from her parents, other than
attendingsummer camps.
She was very active at RHS and plans to be just as involved at WVU. She
hopes to be part of Student Government and other campus groups. Her
interests center around lots of travel and good books to read. Mackenzie
is eager to explain the history of the Cherry River Navy to people she
meets at the Cherry River Festival. She said she will be attending
all events during Festival Week, and is looking forward to the Grade
Parade and her ride down Main Street in the Navy’s flagship, “Mopswab.”
Mackenzie has one sister—Mackayla Holdren. Her grandparents, in addition
to C. C. Lester, are his wife, Annie, and Rose and Harvey Payne.
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