This year’s Peanut Fest Queen has arrived.
Amara Kennedy Oparaji of Suffolk Christian Academy was crowned as the 2024 Peanut Fest Queen during the Suffolk Peanut Fest Queen’s Banquet and Fashions held on Thursday, Oct. 3 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront. Oparaji was in the running amongst a group of equally talented young ladies. Makaila Miller of Nansemond River High School, Kendal Dooley of Suffolk Christian Academy, Skylar Everitt of King’s Fork High School, Katherine Conrod of Nansemond Suffolk Academy, Kara Russell of Lakeland High School, Auburn Masten of King’s Fork High School and Millie Dunbar of Nansemond Suffolk Academy, who will each serve as fellow princesses. After her win, Oparaji recited her creative essay, highlighting this year’s theme of Suffolk’s roots to banquet attendees, city dignitaries and her family.
“Suffolk, Virginia, a city steeped in history and brimming with Southern charm, stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of its people. Nestled in the heart of Coastal Virginia, Suffolk’s roots run deep, intertwining the past with the present and shaping the future. From its humble beginnings as a colonial outpost to its vibrant modem-day community, Suffolk embodies the essence of Southern heritage and hospitality,” Oparaji read. “My personal journey through Suffolk is a tapestry entwined with cherished memories and deep-rooted connections. Growing up amidst the cobblestone streets of historic downtown Suffolk, I was immersed in the rich history of our city. From childhood adventures exploring the Riddick’s Folly House Museum to Saturday dinners with relatives scattered throughout Suffolk, every comer of our city held a piece of our shared heritage.”