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WACO’s Leichty crowned 2025 Washington County Fair Queen
After stepping out of her comfort zone, Morgan Leichty steps into a leadership role
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WASHINGTON — When Morgan Leichty walked onto the stage at the Washington County Fair Queen Pageant Sunday night, she brought more than a polished resume. She brought sincerity, a strong sense of purpose, and a quiet confidence that made her stand out. By evening’s end, the 16-year-old WACO High School senior was crowned the 2025 Washington County Fair Queen — an honor she said she hadn’t expected, but deeply values.
“I came into this not thinking I would do well,” Leichty said after the crowning. “I just thought I would have fun. Then I started studying over my notes and practicing interview questions, and I realized — I want this. This is a great county. I want to represent it and be a great role model for the youth.”
Sunday, July 13 on the Washington Community Center stage, Leichty was crowned during the 31st annual pageant at the Washington County Fairgrounds, where 2023 Queen Taylor Bartholomew served as emcee. The evening emphasized not just grace under pressure, but the leadership, community involvement, and character that the Fair Queen title represents — qualities Leichty brought to the forefront.
Leichty is the daughter of Kurt and Beth Leichty and will begin her senior year at WACO this fall. Outside the classroom, she’s involved in 4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, and basketball. Her career goals reflect her drive and empathy: she plans to become a diagnostic medical sonographer, beginning with a radiology technician program at a community college before transferring to the University of Iowa.
What set Leichty apart on stage was not performance, but pose. She answered questions with warmth and thoughtfulness — especially when asked about her favorite holiday. She chose the Fourth of July, citing what she and her family call the “five F’s”: family, friends, food, fireworks, and freedom.
“I love going to the Wayland parade and seeing everyone line the streets. It just shows how much people love our town and truly support freedom,” she said.
She also credited her father — who served as her escort for the evening — with shaping her work ethic.
“He’s always been there for me,” she said. “Whether it’s standing outside the show ring or coming to every basketball game, he’s taught me what hard work and determination can get you.”
That work ethic has been central to her success.
In spring 2024, Leichty joined her school’s poultry evaluation team and quickly rose to become Iowa’s Champion Individual Poultry Evaluator. Her team was the first from WACO FFA to qualify for nationals.
“It was such a great experience,” she said. “It taught me leadership, responsibility, determination, and hard work.”
Those qualities didn’t go unnoticed by the judging panel — 2022 Iowa State Fair Queen Mary Ann Fox, and Miss Fruitland Queen Program leaders Tiffany Bartenhagen and Julie Lerch — who selected Leichty from a group of seven accomplished contestants.
Emma Cole, a Highland High School senior, was named Fair Princess and first runner-up. Cole spoke with heartfelt honesty about her brother Maverick, who served as her escort and source of inspiration. She also shared how her leadership role in the Iowa Swine Jackpot Series helped shape her swine showing skills and community involvement.
Miss Congeniality was awarded to Hailey Plank, also of Highland, who brought humor and heart to the stage. She described her personality as “pasta salad” because “there’s a bunch that goes into it,” and credited her 10 years in Girl Scouts with building her confidence and communication skills.
While each contestant brought something unique to the evening, what unified them was a shared sense of commitment to their communities — a theme echoed in the farewell speech by outgoing Queen Jade Sheetz. She reflected on how stepping outside her comfort zone led to a year of growth, leadership, and lasting memories.
“To the next queen — soak in every moment. Say yes to every opportunity,” Sheetz said. “Very few people are lucky enough to do this.”
As Leichty stood on stage accepting the crown, she represented more than just herself — she stood as a reflection of the values her community holds dear. She closed the night with deep gratitude for those who helped her along the way.
“I want to thank my parents, my grandparents, my ag adviser, my 4-H leaders, my friends — and definitely Shawna Sieren and Katy Norman,” she said. Sieren and Norman, who coordinate the pageant, guide each contestant through the experience from start to finish.
For Leichty, the title isn’t just an achievement — it’s a responsibility she’s ready for.
“If you put your mind to it and believe it, you can do anything,” she said. “That’s something my dad always taught me — and now I get to carry that with me as I represent Washington County.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
