Jefferson County Fair Queen Contest is Wednesday

The Greater Jefferson County Fair Queen Contest will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 21 in the show arena at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

A new perk for the winner of the contest this year is the AG Mitchell Scholarship.

Seven young ladies are competing in this year’s queen contest, and here is a little bit about each of them:

LILIAN BUIE

Lilian Buie is the 17-year-old daughter of Rebecca Clemens and Dan Buie. Her school activities include varsity football where she is a varsity kicker, member of the Spanish club, FCCLA, FCA, FFA, choir, speech, and the drama department. During high school, Lilian was on the A honor roll every year and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She is active in both 4-H and FFA and shows goats, sheep, cattle, and chickens at the county and state levels.

She serves as 4-H treasurer and FFA president. She earned a silver award at the state FFA convention for public speaking. She has been involved in many community activities including the recent tornado cleanup that hit her community this spring. Lilian plans to attend Hutchinson Community College to participate in livestock judging then transfer to Kansas State and earn a degree in animal nutrition. Her hobbies include martial arts, playing piano, cooking, and showing livestock. Lillian's sponsor is Lapis Wearable Arts.

ADDISON HARRIS

Addison Harris is the daughter of Mandy and Sam Schilb. She is 16 years old. In school, she is active in FBLA, marching band, pep band, and concert band and is a member of the bowling team. She has received letters in both band and bowling. Addison enjoys volunteering at her school for band events and in the concession stands.

She is a member of the Des Moines Ramblers where she has served as president and is currently the vice president. She shows livestock at the county fair. Addison plans to complete high school then attend Northwest Missouri and major in Human Services and possibly law. Her hobbies are photography, art, and horticulture. Addison's sponsor is Locust Grove Farm.

KYLIE MARTIN

Kylie Martin's parents are Todd and Lisa Martin and she is 19 years old. While in high school she was in the National Honor Society and served as Co-President. She was involved in band and was a section leader. Kylie served on the Student Council. She was a member of the committee that created The Walk for Nohema. Her awards include the 2022 Iowa Character Award and the American Citizenship Award from the Governor of Iowa.

During her 4-H years, she served as president and served on the teen council and the teen council committee. Kylie is attending the University Of Iowa majoring in exercise science and minoring in psychology. She then plans to attend PT school and become a physical therapist. She enjoys swimming, fishing, golfing and hanging out with friends. Kylie's sponsor is Libertyville Savings Bank.

HANNAH APPLEGATE

Hannah Applegate, 17, is the daughter of Heather and Luke Applegate. In school, she serves as the yearbook editor, and participates in tennis and advanced art where she painted the entire study room. You might find Hannah in the high school library shelving books. She also volunteers with STEM activities at Washington Elementary and donating to the Lord's Cupboard.

Hannah has been a member of the Jefferson G's for eight years and has been an exhibitor at both the county and state fair levels, exhibiting outstanding projects at both. She served as teen council secretary, a volunteer for Trunk or Treat, and Master Gardeners. She once earned a special award for her graphic design encouraging people to not litter in Jefferson County parks. Hannah enjoys photography, quilting, puzzles, and going for walks. She is still exploring her options for future education but is interested in a career in photography. Hannah's sponsor is Fishback & Stephenson Cider House.

ANDREA HOY

Andrea Hoy is the 18-year-old daughter of Mike and Michelle Hoy. Some of her school activities included FBLA, FCCUA, basketball, Quizbowl, Spanish Club, band, choir, drama, theater, iron chef, cross country manager, and byte jam. She was a member of the Rising Ruritans and National Honor Society and helped manage the greenhouse. She was an academic letter winner as well. Andrea plans to attend Iowa State University under an open option major. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading, playing the violin, sewing, and writing. Andrea’s sponsor is Greiner Real Estate and Auction.

BRIANA STEELE

Briana Steele is the daughter of Carrie and Jason Steele and is 17 years old. In school, Briana belongs to the National Honor Society - serving as president, and FFA - serving as president. She is also a student council member, and elementary mentor, and participated in basketball and volleyball. Briana belongs to her church youth group and enjoys volunteering for carry-on bags, McElhinny House garage sales, PTO activities, and day camps as well as package meals for the heartland, is a Salvation Army bell ringer, volunteered for the Delaware County 4-H food stand and camera corps.

She has earned academic achievement awards, FFA Star Greenhand and Star Chapter Farmer Award, Outstanding 4-H member and community service award. She has been an usher at the Iowa State Fair. Briana plans to attend Iowa State University to major in elementary education and minor in agronomy. She enjoys hunting, fishing, farming, cooking, and helping anyone who needs it. Her sponsor is Steele Crop Insurance.

TAYLER MCCREEDY

Tayler McCreedy, 18, is the daughter of Todd McCreedy and Theresa McCreddy. In school, Tayler participated in dance team, basketball and basketball manager, cross country manager, choir, band, and iron chef. She was a National Honor Society-Pekin chapter member and the National Society of High School Scholars. She was a 4 year academic and sports letter winner, 2023 Prom Queen, received 2nd place in the Iron Chef competition, and several dance competition awards.

Tayler enjoys volunteering and has helped with the church’s turkey supper, dance and tumbling classes, Risefest, church’s tech box, and set up school dances. She plans to attend Grand View University and double major in Graphic Design and Theology. She plans to use those degrees to be a graphic designer as well as a children’s minister and missionary. In her spare time, she spends time outside and with her family and enjoys reading, swimming, skating, and trying new things. Tayler’s sponsor is Iowa State Bank.

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