Tom and Becky look back at their last year before passing the title on Tuesday afternoon

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal’s favorite couple spent their last full day as Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher in Central Park selling raffle tickets to support the future of Tom and Beckys long after they go through the program.

Koryn Miller, the 2022-23 Official Becky, and Dallas Nicholson, a Tom Ambassador, stood in the Tom and Becky booth selling raffle tickets for a full-size quilt donated by Pat Waelder at the Hickory Stick Quilt Shop. The proceeds will support the program’s scholarship fund for former Toms and Beckys who graduate Hannibal High School.

The drawing for the quilt will be held in December and tickets will be available after National Tom Sawyer Days by calling Melissa Cummins at 573-221-9010 ext 404.

Miller and the Official Tom, Azariah Tucker, will turn over the honor to the official couple for 2023-2024 tomorrow afternoon at noon in Central Park.

The official 2023-24 Tom and Becky will be chosen from the top ten who have already been named. The official couple, and remaining four couples will serve as Hannibal ambassadors for the year.

Miller and Nicholson agree that their year in the spotlight has been life changing.

“My speaking skills throughout the year have grown. I can just walk up to someone and have a full conversation with them without even knowing their names. That has helped me so much,” Miller said. 

Miller has performed in musicals, including the starring role as Annie in the Hannibal Middle School production of Annie Jr., in 2022. She said her dream of acting has only grown stronger since becoming the Official Becky.

Nicholson said the program has improved his speaking skills and instilled in him a lifelong commitment to being part of the Hannibal community. His favorite part about being a Tom Ambassador was growing in knowledge of Hannibal and meeting new people. 

“My favorite part of the year was getting to meet people and learn more about Hannibal where I have grown up my whole life,” he said. “For instance, meeting new people I met someone from Switzerland. They had a friend down here that flew them in just to be here for mud volleyball.”

For the incoming Tom and Becky’s, Miller said to take the role as your own.

“Definitely be yourself. It’s a lot of work to get here but once you get here, make yourself Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher,” she said. “Have a lot of fun with it.”

Nicholson advised them not to be nervous.

“Don’t be nervous throughout being a Tom. It’s so worth it.”

Other 2022-23 Tom and Becky Ambassadors were: Connor Hudson, Zachary Locke, Landon Nichols, Kendall Kurz, Mackenzie Livesay, daughter of Wesley and Cindy Livesay, Carlee McCoy, and Grace Munger.