(From American Honey Queen Program, Anna L. Kettlewell, Chairperson, 10432 W. Norwich Avenue, Greenfield, WI 53228)
The American Beekeeping Federation is proud to announce that Kim Kester and Tabitha Mansker were selected as the 2016 American Honey Queen and Princess at its annual January convention in Jacksonville, FL.
Queen Kim is the 23-year-old daughter of Jim and Barb Kester of Nekoosa, WI. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she double-majored in dairy science and poultry science. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Agricultural Education at Iowa State University. Kim began beekeeping in 2014 and now owns six hives of bees. She previously served as the Wisconsin Honey Queen
Princess Tabitha is 20-year-old daughter of Gary and Wanda Mansker of Nevada, TX, and granddaughter of Bobby Lou Mansker of Lubbock, TX. She lives with her family on a small farm and enjoys caring for their many animals. Tabitha was deeply involved in 4-H for more than 8 years and enjoys all aspects of agriculture. Currently, she is pursuing studies in business and marketing and has hopes of becoming a teacher. Tabitha stays busy helping to manage her family’s 16 hives of bees and extracting honey for many commercial beekeeping operations. She previously served as the Texas Honey Queen.
Kim and Tabitha will spend the next year promoting the beekeeping industry throughout the United States in a wide variety of venues, including fairs, festivals, schools, and media interviews. To schedule an appearance with American Honey Queen Kim Kester or American Honey Princess Tabitha Mansker, please contact American Honey Queen Program Chairperson Anna Kettlewell at 414.545.5514.