Elizabeth Katelyn Horton: Duchess Of Rose Growers
(Staff Photo by Mark Roberts)
The 2008 Texas Rose Festival Duchess of the Rose Growers Elizabeth Katelyn Horton, bends to smell roses.
Story By JACQUE HILBURN
Feature Writer
As recently as last month, trumpet player Elizabeth Katelyn Horton was treated as just another member of the Tyler Junior College Apache Band.
Since being selected to serve as the duchess of the rose growers for the 75th Texas Rose Festival, the Tyler freshman is receiving more attention from other musicians.
Members of the close-knit organization, viewed by many as a large "family," have apparently been quick to express their support, approval and affection for Miss Horton's honor.
Feature Writer
As recently as last month, trumpet player Elizabeth Katelyn Horton was treated as just another member of the Tyler Junior College Apache Band.
Since being selected to serve as the duchess of the rose growers for the 75th Texas Rose Festival, the Tyler freshman is receiving more attention from other musicians.
Members of the close-knit organization, viewed by many as a large "family," have apparently been quick to express their support, approval and affection for Miss Horton's honor.
(Staff Photo by Mark Roberts)
Miss Horton (seated) is shown with her family, including (from left) parents, Starla and Ken Horton, and sister, Stacy. Miss Horton, a 2007 high school honors student and musician, was also a talented runner in both cross country and track.
Sometimes they bow. Other times, they curtsy.
It seems Miss Horton has also been given a new nickname: "The Duchess."
Inquire about these occurrences and she breaks into a broad grin.
"It's been different," she said, eyes dancing. "I'm having a lot of fun with it."
Miss Horton's "other" family has roots in the rose industry dating back to 1938.
Representing the rose growers in the 2008 festival pays tribute to their toils, she said.
"It makes me think of my family," she said. "My sister and I used to run through the greenhouses, playing hide-and-seek. I'm really excited. To be a part of the festival is really special to me."
She grew up playing in the dirt and secretly plucking scented petals off the blooms.
It seems Miss Horton has also been given a new nickname: "The Duchess."
Inquire about these occurrences and she breaks into a broad grin.
"It's been different," she said, eyes dancing. "I'm having a lot of fun with it."
Miss Horton's "other" family has roots in the rose industry dating back to 1938.
Representing the rose growers in the 2008 festival pays tribute to their toils, she said.
"It makes me think of my family," she said. "My sister and I used to run through the greenhouses, playing hide-and-seek. I'm really excited. To be a part of the festival is really special to me."
She grew up playing in the dirt and secretly plucking scented petals off the blooms.
(Staff Photo by Mark Roberts)
Elizabeth Katelyn Horton relaxes at her grandparents’ home in Tyler.
ON THE ROAD
The Horton family knows the importance of a good set of tires.
They live in Tyler, but Miss Horton and older sister, Stacy, always attended school in Van, located about 27 miles away.
The Horton family knows the importance of a good set of tires.
They live in Tyler, but Miss Horton and older sister, Stacy, always attended school in Van, located about 27 miles away.
"I worked for the Van school district," said mother Starla Horton. "It was easier to take them with me every day than leave them here."
They've logged countless miles in rain, heat, sleet and darkness.
Life became a little more complex when athletic coaches realized Miss Horton, a 2007 high school honors student and musician, was also a talented runner in both cross country and track.
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