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Washington Evening Journal
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Sweet Sixteen Court
Sweet Sixteen contestants are the official hostesses of Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. This year, 23 Sweet Sixteen contestants will take on this role.
Each contestant volunteers throughout the Old Threshers grounds by assisting guests, answering questions, and lending a helping hand to nonprofit organizations’ booths. The girls, who must be 16 years old during the Reunion, are judged on their volunteerism, a presentation along with an interview, knowledge of Old Threshers, and their overall hospitality.
The Sweet Sixteen contestants make their first appearance at the Harvest Parade and can be spotted throughout the Reunion weekend at the Carousel, the Paul Anderson Building, and strolling the grounds in the period dress for women of the late 1800s to early 1900s who lived in the Midwest and worked on local farms.
Ashlynn Beauchamp — New London, Iowa
Parents: Tara and Brandon Beauchamp
Ashlynn is involved with color guard, show choir, dance team, golf, softball, 4-H, youth group, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Empower U, silver cord, church service projects, bell choir at her church, band, and volleyball. She enjoys hunting with her dad, thrifting, redecorating her room, making static projects for the Henry County Fair, baking and taking care of her pets. She was also lucky enough to play a mermaid and this spring’s musical, “The Little Mermaid” and hopes to participate in more upcoming theater.
The week of Midwest Old Threshers has been her highest anticipated week of the year for as long as she can remember. She has helped with the St Alphonsus food tent preparation as well as the spaghetti supper at the First Presbyterian Church (which funds Iowa Wins). She has also helped with the North Village School activities where she led games for children.
Ashlynn wants to be the 2024 Miss Sweet 16 as she feels she can be a good role model for all the little girls and boys at Old Threshers and show them how joyful and fulfilling it is to be kind, generous, work hard, and live a life that glorifies God. She believes that kindness should be ones’ upmost quality.
Roma Bride — Macomb, Illinois
Parents: Rachel Bride and Spencer Kemble
Roma is involved with FFA, 4-H Blandinsville Blue Ribbons acting as treasurer for three years. Roma shows Rex rabbits with the American Rabbit Breeders Association. She also participates in cheerleading, wrestling, softball. Roma participates in early settler re-enactment rendezvous; she works as a server/cook at the Full Scoop Ice Cream shop and is lifeguard certified.
Roma has been involved at Tractorland, exhibiting her family’s tractors since she was born. She has been a Junior Conductor with the Midwest Central Railroad for the past four years. As a junior conductor she helps with loading and unloading of passengers along with punching their tickets for the ride.
Roma has been involved with Old Threshers for as long as she can remember, and it is a big tradition with her family. She has always looked up to the Sweet 16 girls when she would see them walking around the grounds in their pretty dresses and has looked forward to being able to do it herself. As Miss Sweet 16 she would be able to share the heritage of Old Threshers and all the fun things that it has to offer. She would like to be able to share her love for Old Threshers with others and show them why Old Threshers is a great place to be with family and friends that become family.
Jacie Campbell — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Missy and Jason Campbell
Jacie participates in 4-H, FFA, Science Fair and Silver Cord Volunteer Program. She enjoys helping the Henry County Cattlemen, and farming with her dad and grandpa on the family farm. She also enjoys spending time with family. She feels blessed to be able to raise cattle and pigs as well as row crop farm with her family.
Jacie has volunteered at Old Threshers for a few years. She has volunteered on the ground train, working the gates and at the Thrashers House of Terror. She has also helped in the pork producers’ tent and Drive-a-Tractor with her FFA chapter.
Jacie believes it would be an honor to be the next Miss Sweet 16 as she would be able to further advocate for Midwest Old Threshers, the Miss Sweet 16 program and some of the earliest foundations of agriculture. For Jacie, being a part of the program is a family tradition wearing the dresses made by her family.
Mac Tyrrell — West Des Moines, Iowa
Parents: Josh and Tory Tyrrell
Mac is the President of the Valley High School Young Republican Club. She is the head sports commentator for varsity boys’ basketball for the radio station 88.7 KDWM The Point. She plays the wing position in Rugby and is involved with bowling, synchronized swimming, and golf teams. She enjoys swimming and running daily. She does Mock Trial and is in the Air Force JROTC. She is currently doing a real estate apprenticeship. Mac is in multiple mentor/big sister programs was well as being vice president of the mentor club at her school. Most of all, she loves spending time with her three younger brothers and her family.
Mac has helped at the St Alphonsus Church where her grandparents are involved. As she is getting older, she hopes to become more involved with Old Threshers starting with her involvement in the Sweet 16 Program.
Mac has attended Old Threshers for as long as she can remember. Living in Mt. Pleasant for a few years, and having her grandparents, Bill and Tammy Tyrell, still in Mt. Pleasant, the town holds some of her favorite memories. One of them is seeing Miss Sweet 16 participants and thinking how beautiful they were, how they looked like princesses, and how kind they were to her. She wants to be this for other kids. Mac strives to make a positive impact on others’ lives and to be the inspiration for another little girl to compete in the Miss Sweet 16 Program at Old Threshers.
Lillian Krogmann — Lamont, Iowa
Parents: Tim and Amanda Krogmann and Rachelle and Jason Gruis
Lillian is interested in hunting, being outdoors, fishing and spending time with her family and friends. She attends Starmont High School and participates in the band.
Lillian has been volunteering on the ground train for the campground. She also helps prepare the ground train wagons for the Reunion. She also volunteers for the information booths.
Lillian has been attending the Old Threshers Reunion since she as a little girl and has always wanted to be a part of the Sweet 16 Program.
Sydney Graber — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Nathen and Misty Graber
Sydney draws, plays the tuba, writes poetry, and plays video games. She enjoys music, art, reading and animals. Sydney also belongs to the IJAG program at Mt. Pleasant High School.
Sydney has volunteered at the carousel during the Haunted Rails event, the food pavilion and performs with the Panther Marching Band performances. She has helped her family with their tractors or cars during the Cavalcade of Power.
Sydney has always been interested in doing Sweet 16 since she was a younger child and saw all the girls in the pretty dresses. She thinks it would be a fun way to participate in Old Threshers this year. Being a part of the Sweet 16 Program will give her experience helping in her community as well as getting her out of her comfort zone.
Eliana Watkinson — Crawfordsville, Iowa
Parents: Trevor and Liza Watkinson
Eliana likes to participate in soccer and track and field. She enjoys rollerblading and writing. She babysits and likes to have fun with family and friends.
Eliana has been involved with Prairie Gem Church at Midwest Old Threshers, cleaning and helping along with attending. She also has been coming to the reunion since she was little.
Although Eliana believes it would be an honor to be the next Miss Sweet 16, she is participating because she has always looked forward to doing it and being a volunteer around the people at Old Threshers. She has always wanted to do the Sweet 16 Program!
Piper Nelson — Waterloo, Iowa
Parents: Brad and Christina Nelson
Piper enjoys art, Legos, music, and hiking in her free time. She loves playing the violin for the orchestra. Since 2021, she has been a part of the Iowa National Guard Child and Youth Teen Panel, which puts on events across the state connected to military youth.
Piper has been to Old Threshers almost every year of her life and loves to spend time seeing everything. Last year was the first time she volunteered by working at the ticket gates and on the ground train.
When Piper was a little girl, her favorite part of Old Threshers was meeting the Sweet 16 girls and she always inspired to be just like them. She would like to inspire the next generations of little girls.
Meadow Carter — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Ki Krabill and Wade Carter
Meadow is involved with musical activities including show choir, band, and color guard. She enjoys playing volleyball and running track. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to provide care and supervision to many children.
Meadow has volunteered at the admission gates and has worked the ground train. She also performs with the Mt. Pleasant Panther Marching Band in front of the grandstand.
Meadow has always looked up to the Sweet 16 participants and is looking forward to the amazing experience. Meadow believes that being Miss Sweet 16 will be an amazing opportunity to represent Mt. Pleasant and meet many new people. She has loved to watch other girls get crowned in previous years and finds it incredible to be an inspiration to the younger girls.
Zatori Williams — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parent: Tabatha Kelley
Zatori is involved with the Mt. Pleasant Marching Band and Concert Band where she plays the tuba. Zatori is involved with entrepreneurship through school and is interested in pursuing business further. She loves art, music, and theater. She is also involved with the Silver Cord Program at Mt. Pleasant High School.
Zatori has been volunteered for Midwest Old Threshers as an actor at the Thrashers House of Terror for the last five years. She was recently recognized for her acting talents along with her pet, “T” (a trained naked rat). Zatori also helped a new food vendor at the Reunion, Paul Reveres Pizza, last year.
Zatori would like to be the next Sweet 16 because she wants to be known by more people and to show that anyone can be anything if they put their mind to it, to not be afraid to try something new, and to be a leader not a follower.
Tia Willey — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Wes and Stephanie Willey and Tiffany Ford and Travis Baker
Tia performs with the Mt. Pleasant High School band. She is interested in crafts, makeup, painting, volunteering, music, learning languages, baking, and babysitting. She likes to spend time with her family.
Tia has performed with the Panther Marching Band at the Old Threshers Reunion. She looks forward to participating more this year wherever she can.
Becoming the next Sweet 16 offers her an opportunity to represent her community. It provides a platform to inspire and empower young women. Holding this title opens doors to exciting experiences while allowing for personal growth and development. As Sweet 16, she has the chance to make a positive impact on her community, serving as a role model for others and leaving a lasting impact.
Aunika Bruns — Fort Madison, Iowa
Parents: Alexandra Bruns and Raymond King
Aunika’s hobbies include reading, cooking, and traveling. Her next trip is to Europe with her school. Her most recent interest has been in learning sign language. She especially enjoys swimming and hanging out with friends. She spent this summer volunteering at Wesley Woods Church Camp as a Junior Counselor.
Aunika has volunteered at the Thrashers House of Terror for the past two years. Aunika is a zone leader, which entails providing security for the actors and assistance to guests. Aunika is looking forward to October again this year. This will be the first time that Aunika has volunteered for the Reunion.
Aunika would like to be the next Sweet 16 because she thinks it would be a good opportunity to volunteer for her community and to be of service. Aunika also enjoys learning new things while meeting new people and making new friends.
Natalie Parrott — Middletown, Iowa
Parents: Luke and Jennifer Parrott
Natalie is involved with cross-country, cheerleading, and track. As a freshman she wrestled for Mt. Pleasant Panther girls' team. Besides sports, Natalie is in choir, show choir, speech, plays and 4-H. Natalie is also a member of Udder Chaos Dairy Club, and Share a Heifer Program with her brown Swiss cow named Dawn.
Natalie has been involved at Midwest Old Threshers as a 5th generation exhibitor in the Gas Engine Area. She works on the ground train during the show. Natalie has helped with Spring School Tours and is a 2023 Trolley school graduate. She has also helped with the Thrashers House of Terror since 2019.
Natalie has wanted to be the next Sweet 16 ever since she was a little girl. She could be found wearing her dresses all around the grounds pretending. She is excited that its finally her year to be a true hostess. Natalie will be the fourth family member to participate in the Sweet 16 Program.
Elizabeth Crull — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Matt and Jennifer Crull
Elizabeth is involved in band and choir and plays piano. Her interests include antique tractors, trains, steam engines, video games and animals.
Elizabeth has been involved with antique tractors since she was 8 years old as her family has several. She just finished steam school this spring and can’t wait to run a steam engine during the show. She has many hours of volunteering for Midwest Central Railroad and while it is not a part of the Midwest Old Threshers organization, it plays a large supporting role. She has sold tickets and volunteered as a train conductor for the Reunion. She has also helped setup for Midwest Haunted Rails as well as helped actors with makeup in the South Station for their character along with haunt acting herself. She also helps with recruitment for this event.
Elizabeth also has been in the role of Snow Princess and Junior Snow Princess for the Midwest Central Railroad’s North Pole Express for the last eight years. Prior to she helped serve cookies and hot chocolate to the guests.
Elizabeth wants to demonstrate that femininity can be looking the part of Sweet 16, but also being able to fix her tractor or run a steam engine at the same time. When it came to her family farm, her great-grandma was the one running everything behind the scenes while also taking care of the house while great-grandpa was in the fields. She wants to share in their partnership.
Zenlynn Lee — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Adam and Holli Lee
Zenlynn is involved in the following through the Mt. Pleasant High School, trap shooting, wrestling, band, and silver cord. She is also involved with 4-H, 4-H teen council, FFA and showing various species of livestock. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, being outside, and volunteering. She also enjoys woodworking with her grandpa and baking with her grandma.
Zenlynn has been attending the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion every year since before she was able to walk. She has enjoyed helping with the ground trains, the Horse Area, the Pork Producers tent, Drive-a-Tractor, marching the in the parade with the Mt. Pleasant High School Band, and various other performances, the Cavalcade of Power and baking cookies for the Methodist Church tent’s ice cream sandwiches. She also has been a part of Thrashers House of Terror, for the last two years.
Becoming the next Sweet 16 would open new opportunities for Zenlynn to continue her community involvement while also encouraging her to get out of her comfort zone by being in the public eye. This will help her gain more confidence in the interview process and public speaking.
Lena Nelson — New London, Iowa
Parents: Jennifer Runyon and Joseph Nelson
Lena is involved in softball and track. She enjoys music, photography, and writing. Lena has volunteered at the ticket booths during the Reunion. She is also a member of the Thrashers House of Terror scream crew since 2018.
Lena loves Old Threshers and has been attending her entire life. She has always dreamed of participating in Sweet 16 for as long as she can remember. She loves helping others, enjoys new experiences and meeting new people.
Madison Keck — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Kevin and Jessie Sandersfeld
Madison is involved with competition dance, cheerleading and band.
Madison has been a part of Midwest Old Threshers by performing in the Mt. Pleasant Panther Marching band, where they perform in the Harvest Parade, at the beginning of the Cavalcade of Power on Thursday and Monday of the Reunion. She also has attended the Reunion every year of her life.
Madison wants to be the next Sweet 16 because she wants to be able to make a difference. She also wants to be able to give back to her community. She has lived in Mt. Pleasant her entire life and participating has been a dream of her since she was little.
Katie Sue Ettinger — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Randi and Nick Ettinger
Katie Sue is involved with competitive archery, wrestling, and band. She likes riding quads and dirt bikes along with hunting.
Katie Sue has always been involved in the band performances at the Old Threshers Reunion. She has also helped her late-grandfather, Charles Erue, with woodworking for the annual art show.
Katie Sue would like to be the next Sweet 16 because her mother competed, and she loves Old Threshers. She also appreciates what’s involved with Old Threshers and the education aspect. She would like to be a role model for other young girls in Iowa.
GiGi Olson — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parent: Kellee Olson
GiGi is involved with marching band and symphonic band along with helping the show choir. She was a part of the ensemble in the high school musical, The Little Mermaid. GiGi also raises rabbits.
GiGi has been an antique tractor exhibitor of a Farmall-F12, John Deer B and a garden tractor. She also helps on the Conrood’s new Huber Steam Engine. Since she has been a child she has been involved with many activities during Old Threshers.
GiGi has wants to be the next Sweet 16 because she has grown up watching all the young women participate in the program and has waited 16 years to be one of them. GiGi’s connection to Old Threshers goes back to her great grandparents and the Traction Steam Area. Over the years her family has brought tractors, antique cars, and small gas engines. Her two aunts participated in Sweet 16, and her grandma Chirstine hand sewed their dresses. Gigi will be wearing those dresses this year in memory of her grandma.
Old Threshers is important to her family because it brings them all together once a year. It is a family legacy for them and will be for many years to come.
Olivia McCormick — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Colin and Lea McCormick
Olivia has been in dance for over 12 years, including competition dance and the school dance team. She participates in the school cheer team (football, basketball, and competition) She runs track, plays in the school band and choir. She loves spending time with friends, family and her 2 dogs.
Olivia has been involved at the Log Village since the second grade. She has also volunteered at her parish food tent in the pavilion along with the Boy Scout Troop 27 food tent in the log village. She has worked as an elf at the Santa House at the Festival of Lights.
Olivia would like to be the next Sweet 16 because it sounds like a lot of fun and seems like a great opportunity to learn more about her community and gain important life skills.
Cadence Hellweg — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Cody Hellweg and Molly Brimmer
Cadence enjoys singing and dancing along with reading.
Cadence hasn’t volunteered for the Reunion but has supported Midwest Old Threshers through the Thrashers House of Terror and as an elf at the Festival of Lights.
Cadence wants to be part of the Sweet 16 program so she can learn more about the history of our community.
Hayleigh McPherson — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Heath and Lisa McPherson
Hayleigh is involved with showing livestock (Dairy cattle, Beef cattle and goats) and is a member of the 4-H and FFA. She enjoys soccer, crafting, reading, and riding horses.
Hayleigh has been involved with Midwest Old Threshers by volunteering for the ground train for the last two years and the Pork Producers tent for three years. She recently started volunteering for the Thrashers House of Terror.
Hayleigh is excited to be a part of the Sweet 16 Program because it has always been something she and her friend have talked about doing together since they were in preschool. The two of them hung out at Old Threshers together finding places to volunteer until they were exhausted. Being a part of the Sweet 16 Program is a dream they share, and Hayleigh couldn’t let that dream not happen. Hayleigh wants to help serve her community by participating in the Sweet 16 Program.
Delania Hourihan — Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Parents: Jenna and Daniel Wixom
Delania plays basketball for the Mt. Pleasant Panthers. She also loves to write stories and plays, drawing, cooking, baking, and listening to music.
Delania has been volunteering for Old Threshers by working the ground train during the Reunion. In the offseason, she has been actively involved with the Thrashers House of Terror since 2022.
Delania would like to be the next Miss Sweet 16 because it would introduce her to new experiences and get her out of her comfort zone. She believes that it will help her get to know people and learn more about Midwest Old Threshers and how it has a positive impact on her small town.
