Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Washington County Fair Queens prepare for big night
WASHINGTON — With the Washington County Fair right around the corner, Sunday night will see six contestants take the stage in the annual fair queen contest, all vying for the crown that will mark them as county fair royalty.
Here’s a look at the contestants in the running, with excerpts from their application materials for the contest.
Taylor Moore
The daughter of Todd and Jennifer Moore, Taylor is involved in a variety of community service organizations, including Midwest Old Threshers, Old Iron Days, Washington FFA Harvest Meals, Teacher Breakfast (FFA Week), Washington FFA Taco Tuesday, and the Midwest Old Threshers Festival of Lights.
Her future plans after high school are to major in nursing, at a yet-undecided school.
“I feel I would best represent Washington County because I am a good role model for our younger kids, I have a good work ethic, and I have strong leadership skills,” Moore wrote in her application. “All which I feel are good qualities that would represent Washington well.”
Maya Murphy
The daughter of Michael and Marcy Murphy, Maya is part of the National Honor Society and attended Kirkwood Community College’s dual enrollment program. She’s a frequent volunteer through the Washington Go-Getters 4-H Club, and has assisted with the County Council Blood Drive, where’s she’s a frequent volunteer in her own right.
Her future plans include earning a Bachelor's degree in Biology and pursue a degree and career as a licensed Occupational Therapist.
“I am very involved in many aspects of 4H and have experience in a wide range of project areas,” Murphy wrote in her application. “I enjoy teaching others what Washington County 4H has to offer and feel comfortable speaking to both small and large groups of people. Participating in 4H events over the years has taught me patience, discipline, perseverance and how to be respectful, humble and kind to others.”
Kenzington Miller
The daughter of Kevin and Brenda Miller, Kenzington’s high school involvement has been widespread, with extracurricular involvement including volleyball, track, a Boys basketball manager, National Honor Society, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, Felowship of Christian Athletes, Student Leadership Team, Big Hawk Little Hawks Mentoring, Peer Mentoring, and a church youth group.
After graduating high school in 2025, Miller plans to attend the University of Iowa for a year, before applying to a competitive three-year Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at the school.
“I would best represent Washington County as its Fair Queen by being a positive role model and providing leadership to younger community members,” she wrote. “As county Fair Queen I would continue to prioritize following a good moral code of ethics as I outreach in local communities. I know that the roles and responsibilities of the Queen span farther than just county and state fair weeks, which is why I plan to have continual involvement with the community and fair throughout the rest of the new fair year and beyond … know that overall, my experience will be what I make of it and I plan to make the most of my time as Fair Queen.”
Jade Sheetz
The daughter of Brad and Lynne Sheetz, Jade has shown cattle at the Washington County Fair since fourth grade. Her myriad community involvement activities include helping with Elm Grove Cemetery flag setups, preparation and teardown for the Washington County Fair, serving as a regional 4-H Junior Camp counselor, ushering at the Iowa State Fair Grandstands, and helping with Ag in the Classroom, FFA Animal Day, the FFA Taco Tuesday and at the Orange Acres Pumpkin Patch.
After high school, she plans to attend a four-year college and major in an undecided agricultural major.
“If I am crowned Washington County Fair Queen, I believe that I would be a good representation for our county because of my communication and leadership qualities,” Sheetz wrote. “I believe that my drive, passion, and commitment would help me to represent our county well. If the opportunity presents itself, I would love to represent Washington County locally by being involved in different activities.”
Halle Cuddeback
The daughter of Jeff and April Cuddeback, Halle’s list of awards and honors is impressive. It includes three spots on the Kirkwood dean’s list, and the high school honor role, Hills Bank Youth Salute, and anticipated graduation from high school with a an associate degree already in-hand. She’s also President of a 4-H Club, a class officer at Washington High School and on the SEC Conference All Academic Team for track.
After graduating high school, she plans to attend Iowa State University to double-major in sports management and finance, before ultimately attending law school.
“I would represent by encouraging and supporting all participants at the fair, welcome fairgoers with a smile and enthusiasm and pitch in wherever needed,” Cuddeback wrote. “I would be proud to represent Washington County at the Iowa State Fair, local parades, and any other community activities I am asked to participate in.”
Emma Chenoweth
The daughter of Mark and Stacey Chenoweth, Emma is a Washington High School graduate and incoming freshman at William Penn University, where she plans to play on the school’s bowling team, as a first-generation college student. She intends to major in elementary education.
Locally, Chonowith’s leadership experience has included stings at the Washington Fire Department Pancake Breakfast and in a first grade classroom as a teacher’s aid. Elsewhere, she’s been involved in the WMS/WHS Cheer Squad, the Washington Business Professionals of America chapter, and the AYM Youth Group at Faith Baptist Church.
“I would best represent Washington County not only at the county level but also at the state level by being present,” she wrote. “I will do this by being sure I stop by not only the kids events but also the teen and adult events at both levels.”
