Latest Tom and Becky to preside over 2021 National Tom Sawyer Days

by Jim Dewey

HANNIBAL – Hannibal’s new official Tom and Becky were named during ceremonies following the annual Fourth of July parade. Jaxson Lay and Greta Welch will be the official Ambassadors for the city until next July when their successors are selected.

Jaxson Lay, son of Matthew Lay and Edie Graupman, is the official Tom for 2021-2022. Greta Welch, daughter of Casey and Katy Welch, is the official Becky for 2021-2022.

Jaxon and Greta began their journey in February of this year when all 7th graders in Hannibal were invited to compete for the honor. The number of contestants was initially whittled down to twelve each for Tom and Becky. That number was then reduced to 5 Toms and 5 Beckys. All ten of the youngsters will spend time over the next 12 months guiding tours, meeting guests and representing Hannibal at a variety of events both in and out of town. 

The Tom and Becky program was started in 1956 by the Hannibal Chamber of Commerce which ran the program until 2015 when it was taken over by the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. And, just to clarify, because the Fourth of July is on Sunday, the parade and the Tom and Becky ceremony were held on Saturday, July 3rd. 

National Tom Sawyer Days will continue through Sunday concluding with the annual fireworks display at Dusk.