Shelton Teen Crowned Barnum Festival King

senior Tyler Elliot had the honor of being crowned King a this year's Barnum Festival, an annual celebration of P.T. Barnum, best known for founding the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Patch got a chance to talk to the King about his experience.

Patch: How did you get involved with the Festival? What made you want to enter the competition for King?

Tyler Elliot: Well I grew up in Bridgeport, CT and as a kid I would attend the Barnum and Bailey circuses and parades. Then one day, my guidance counselor told me that she nominated me to be in this contest. I was excited for the experience and really wanted to win!

P: What was the selection process like? How many people were you up against?

TE: I was up against 26 other students from all around Fairfield County. They were all from different schools in the area. The selection process was very smooth and well-organized. It started off with an interview at People's Bank, where I met the judges and the previous royal family members, then there was an indoor social at Vazzy's, and we ended off the selection process with the Coronation Ball this past Sunday at Vazzano's where I found out the good news.

P: Were you confident in your chances of winning or was it intimidating?

TE:  I was actually pretty confident. I felt like I had a great vibe with the people associated with the Barnum Festival and the other contestants from day one.

P: Did you have to meet any specific criteria (good grades, volunteer work, community help, etc.)?

TE: Yes, in order to be nominated, you had to have a certain amount of involvement in your community and of course good grades. I was glad that I met all of those requirements.

P: Now that you are King, what are some of your duties and responsibilities in the year ahead as a representative for Barnum?

TE: Well, there are many events that I have to attend that are taking place in the next couple of months. Some of them are parades, balls, traveling to nursing homes in the greater Bridgeport area, and making sure that I just represent the Barnum Festival organization well. I can't wait to take on the challenge.

P: Your personal thoughts/feelings on achieving this honor?

TE: This is almost surreal. I have people I don't even know coming up to me and asking, "Aren't you the king?" Honestly, it's bigger than I could ever imagine. And it does a lot for the Shelton community and my school, which I am very proud of. This is a very great honor and I'm fortunate to have achieved it.

P: What's the next step for you personally - what route to you aspire to pursue? (college, military service, volunteer work, etc.)

TE: The next step for me is to enjoy this experience as much as I can and allow it to open doors for me for things like college or volunteer work. I definitely am attending college, and this is a great chance for me to experience what it's like bringing joy to different people and communities. It is also a great thing to put me over that edge when I start applying to schools.

P: Shout outs to anyone who has helped you along the way?

TE: Shout outs (thank you) to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opprutunity in the first place, also my Mom, Dad, Sharon Martinez and Curtis Irby, Manny Morales (former Prince), Kyle Packnick, the whole Barnum Festival Family, my career center counselor Mrs. Brouillette, my guidance counselor Mrs. Riddle, and of course my headmaster/principal Dr. Beth Smith, and everyone else who supported me!