Immediately after being announced the 2011 Strassenbash queen, Payton Heiliger was congratulated by a friend who provided a drawing that served as an inspiration leading up to Saturday’s coronation ceremony. The artwork, which read “Good luck Payton, I hope you win,” had been displayed on her school locker. “It was my good luck charm,” Heiliger said. Indeed, she now has a keepsake to sit beside the drawing for years to come. Much to her surprise, Heiliger beat out five other contestants and was crowned by 2010 Queen Melissa Willmore during Saturday’s coronation ceremony at Diekroeger Park in Wright City. A Wright City High School freshman, Heiliger was sponsored by FMB Bank. Despite her young age, Heiliger said competing in the Strassenbash queen pageant was something she looked forward to for years. “I love how it helps out the community,” she said. “I have been going to Strassenbash every year and I see the way the younger girls look up to (the contestants) because they are such role models in the community. I wanted somebody to look at me that way.” Heiliger also was recognized for selling the most 50/50 tickets — 1,076 — and trash bags which served as a fundraiser for the pageant. Emily Jaboor was selected as the first runner-up. A junior, she was sponsored by Victory Tire and Auto. Jaboor also was named Miss Congeniality, an award voted on by the queen contestants. A year ago, Jaboor was second runner-up in the competition. She said afterward she may compete a third time. “I love how you get to help the community and love meeting new people,” Jaboor said. “You get to meet all these girls that I never really talked to in school before. I have a lot of fun doing it.” Jasmine King was chosen as second runner-up. She also was recognized for winning the top interview and top bag project, a new category this year that replaced the evening gown competition. King was sponsored by Lynn’s Pets. While preparing for this year’s queen contest, the contestants spent a considerable amount of time volunteering in the community. Pageant organizer Andrea Vohsen noted the event is about developing character and assisting in the community. The number of group and individual volunteer hours performed by the contestants between June and September topped 1,000, according to Vohsen. Some of the volunteer work included painting the pavilion benches at Diekroeger Park and assisting with the Strassenbash setup. Judging for the queen contest was held Sept. 10 at the Wil Heiliger Activity Building.