"Being fair queen means that I can represent our community in a positive way and that I can also be a role model for the youth in our community, which is super important to me," said Brooke Smith, the daughter of Mark and Jennifer Smith of Lancaster.

In October 2021, Brooke was crowned West Lampeter Fair queen and received a scholarship and cash prizes for herself and her sponsoring organization, which was the National Honor Society (NHS). Brooke noted that she was surprised when she was announced fair queen because she has minimal agricultural background, but she said she is excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community. As fair queen, Brooke represented the West Lampeter Community Fair at the 2022 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Competition at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22.

"I was really grateful to have the opportunity, and I had so much fun," stated Brooke. "I met a lot of really awesome girls who are so friendly, welcoming, and just really genuine about their love of their fair, which was really exciting."

The first day of the competition began with check-in, orientation, and 15-second stage introductions, where the 58 contestants stated their names, their hometowns and their fair, and shared a few remarks about their fair. Afterward, they enjoyed dinner and entertainment. The next day, Brooke attended a leadership seminar with Denise Lee, 1990 Pennsylvania state fair queen and later worked the communications table. In the afternoon, she had a six-minute personal interview with the judges and then attended the judges' reception, where the contestants were assessed based on their conversation skills. The evening concluded with a pizza party and team bonding exercises with Allison Neff, 2021 Pennsylvania state fair queen. The final day of the competition consisted of three- to five-minute speech presentations, youth day events, and the coronation rehearsal, banquet, and ceremony.

"I just wanted to be able to give back to the community that's given me so much over these past couple of years, especially with my cousin, who passed away this past year," explained Brooke. "The community just rallied around me and my family, which was so special and incredible and really helped us through that time, so to be able to give back to the community was just my top priority."

Brooke said that she would like to thank her family, especially her mother for being her No. 1 fan, and Anita Martin for keeping her on track as coordinator.

"I'm just very, very thankful to everyone in the community that made this possible," said Brooke.

A senior at Lampeter-Strasburg High School, Brooke is the treasurer of Tri-M Music Honor Society, the secretary of the L-S Thespian Society, and the treasurer of the Asian Cultures Club. She is a member of NHS, chorus, Madrigals, the spring musical cast, Student Council, Pioneer Interact Club, Varsity Club, Mini-THON, and the varsity volleyball team. Brooke attends youth group at Lancaster Church of the Brethren and takes voice lessons at Wieand Vocal Studio. She plans to attend college to study elementary education.