MONROE - When Morgan Behnke was crowned the 2009-10 Green County Dairy Queen Saturday in Monroe she continued a family tradition that goes back more than 50 years.

Her grandmother, Joyce Hoesly, was the 1957 Juda Dairy Queen, and her mother, Lisa Behnke, was the 1979-80 Green County Dairy Queen.

Lisa Behnke was also the 1985-1986 Alice in Dairyland.

This is the first time three generations have been dairy queens.

"I'm pretty proud of her," Lisa Behnke said as she wiped away a few tears. "She really wanted to do this."

Morgan didn't know her mom was a former Green County Dairy Queen until last year. At the crowning in Browntown all former dairy queens were asked to identify themselves, and Lisa raised her hand.

Lisa knows how much time and effort it takes to represent the county, but she also knows how much fun it can be.

As she watched her daughter receive the crown she couldn't help but remember that day 30 years ago when she also became Green County Dairy Queen.

"She should enjoy it and never forget the people who are behind you," she said she would tell her daughter.

Hoesly also couldn't help but share advice with her granddaughter.

"Enjoy the year and learn from it," she said. "Appreciate it."

Being dairy queen provides a unique opportunity to make new friends and to experience new things.

"This is such a great program, and she's going to love every step of the way," Lisa said.