News : Junior Grand Marshals announced, but one will be in France during Kiddie Parade

Alyssa Hanson, one of the Junior Grand Marshall's in this year's parade

Erin Randall Junior Grand Marshall

This year’s Junior Grand Marshalls have been selected to kick off the Party in the Park weekend festivities. VPRD Director Duane Randall announced Alyssa Hanson and Erin Randall will be leading the Kiddie Parade on Thursday evening.

Well, that was the original plan, at least. Erin Randall will be there, however Alyssa Hanson is currently touring France with the Vinton-Shellsburg French Club and won’t be back in town until mid July. “We select the Junior Grand Marshalls from nominations that we receive, and one of the reasons these kids are selected is because they are active in school and the community. They live their lives as someone we’d like to see the little kids look up to. It’s unfortunate Alyssa can’t be with us, but she certainly deserves the honor,” Randall said.

Alyssa’s parents are Mike and Mary Hanson of Vinton. Her mother, Mary said she can’t reach Alyssa until next week when she will arrive at a French host parent’s house. “I’m sure she’ll be thrilled when I tell her,” Mary said. Besides the French Club, Alyssa has been involved in National Honor Society, chamber choir, mixed choir, volleyball, and Dancing Corps at Vinton-Shellsburg High School. Her community activities include volunteering at the Palace Theatre, Lutheran Youth Organization, assistant minister at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and a mission trip to help hurricane victims in New Orleans. Alyssa also sang the National Anthem prior to the start of every home basketball game this season. Alyssa plans on attending Wartburg College in Waverly next fall majoring in Mathematics Education.

Although only a sophomore, Erin Randall has an impressive list of accomplishments as well. She participated in volleyball, basketball, golf, track and choir at Vinton-Shellsburg High School. She was also a student advisor representative. Erin also volunteers at the Palace Theatre and Blessed Hope Church. She is a member of the Blessed Hope High School Youth Group and went on a mission trip with that group in 2009. Erin volunteers tirelessly at Vinton Parks and Recreation. This is her fourth year of working the Summer Playground program, and she can be seen helping each week at the Vinton Farmer’s Market.

Erin is a quiet girl who just likes to get the job done. Most likely Erin will be working on the courthouse lawn as soon as the Kiddie Parade is over. You’ll see Erin all weekend long working at Party in the Park to make sure everyone is having a great time. VPRD board member Sandy Lyons, who nominated Erin, said, “Erin not only volunteers her own time, but often recruits other youth to volunteer. She is always preaching to her friends the importance of volunteering”. Erin is the daughter of Duane and Karen Randall of Vinton.

Congratulations to Erin Randall and Alyssa Hanson, 2010 Party in the Park Junior Grand Marshalls!