NORTH WEBSTER – Kayla Courtney was named Queen of Lakes during the 68th pageant Saturday in North Webster. Courtney, 20, from Syracuse, and representing Waubee Lake, received a $2,000 scholarship. Runners-up were Kierstin Bailey, 18, receiving $1,500; Morgan Kleppe, 18, receiving $1,000; and Tina Maciaga, 16, receiving $500. Winning might not be the hardest thing Courtney’s done, compared to what she told judges she considered her greatest accomplishment: playing soccer just six months after a car accident that required 40 days of hospitalization for a spinal injury. “I probably shouldn’t even have been walking,” she told judges in response to the final question the four girls received. She credited the feat to her parents’ support, and said earlier in the pageant the accident is what inspired her to study to be a surgeon. Courtney also won third for her entry in the Mermaid Parade earlier that day, with a Confederate soldier theme. Aarika Olenik was second, for “Little Miss Dixies,” and Bailey won first place, a $750 prize, for her “tea party” themed parade entry. Makayli Phillips won People’s Choice for her “Land of Dixie” theme outfit in the pageant. Erika Ksiezopolski took two honors, the community service award and Miss Congeniality, chosen by fellow contestants for being friendly and helpful. Also during the Mermaid Festival, the 2013 Cutie King and Queen were Cooper Garden and Alexia Cox. Runners-up were Luke Keim and Ella Beer; Haydenn Mitchell and Emma VanPuffelen; and Ryan Mack Jr. and Lauren Baker.
