Ada Hancock has been selected as the 2026 Poppy Queen for the American Legion Auxiliary Willard Stout Post 266 in Belle Center.
Members of the American Legion Auxiliary and its volunteers will distribute the traditional red crepe paper poppies for donations on Saturday, May 23rd, in Belle Center.
Donations collected through the program help support disabled and hospitalized veterans.
The Poppy Program also serves as an important source of income for veterans programs and services.
Ada is 7 years old and the daughter of Seth and Melanie Hancock of Belle Center.
She is the granddaughter of Deborah and the late Ralph Hancock, along with Matthew and Angelia McHenry.
She will be entering second grade at Benjamin Logan Elementary School this fall.
Ada enjoys softball, cheerleading, singing, dancing, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.
She also comes from a long line of military service members.
Her father, Seth Hancock, served in the Marines and fought in Afghanistan.
Her late grandfather, Ralph Hancock, served in the Air Force, while her great-grandfather served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
A great-uncle also served in the Marines during World War II.
On her mother’s side, Melanie Hancock served in the Navy, her grandfather Matthew McHenry served in the Army National Guard, her great-grandfather Bill McHenry served in the Marines during the Korean War, and her great-great-grandfather served in the Army during World War I.
The poppy has been the official flower of the American Legion since 1920 and serves as a symbol of sacrifice, honoring men and women who served and died in defense of the country.
