Wearing the Miss Cornucopia crown is all about being a part of the community.

Just ask Jessica Plett.

The recent Kentwood High School graduate was all smiles, yet humble after earning the honor from the Kent Lions Club.

“I’m representing more than myself. I’m representing all the volunteers who put Cornucopia Days on,” Plett said prior to receiving the tiara at a ceremony in the Town Square Plaza on Friday afternoon. “I’m representing all their hard work and all that they do for our community.

“I’m glad that I’m able to represent such a good volunteer program that does so much for our community.”

Plett, the only contestant, will represent the city during the three-day, 47th annual Kent Cornucopia Days street fair and festival, including an appearance in Sunday’s Grand Parade that starts at 2 p.m. along Fourth Avenue.

Plett, 18, an honors student at Kentwood, earned a $3,000 scholarship from the Lions Club that she intends to apply to her studies at Eastern Washington University this fall in Cheney. Plett, the daughter of Terrina and Greg Plett of Kent, plans to study pre-physical therapy, with hopes of becoming a pediatric physical therapist.

At Kentwood, Plett was an exceptional student who participated on the cheer squad. She is active with her church and in the community.

Mayor Dana Ralph – with help from Alex Conn, 2002 Miss Cornucopia – crowned Plett.

Tara Hoefig, last year’s winner, could not attend. She is training to become a commercial pilot at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz.