Mattison “Matti” Darnell has roots in Dallas County that go way back. She is the 12 year old daughter of Matt and Breann Darnell, Buffalo; the granddaughter of Steve and Joy Schuelke, Buffalo; the great granddaughter of Bob and Betty Howerton, Buffalo; and the great great granddaughter of Oval and Lolan “Doc” Howerton, Buffalo, who sent area weather information to The TV and radio stations in Springfield. But she is a celebrity in her own right. This young lady has already garnered several top awards from pageants across the country and has even started her own “Racing Towards Safety” mission. Most recently, she was awarded the national title of Preteen Miss Princess of America at the National Princess of America Pageant held July 23-29 in Branson.