Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The 2005 Kosciusko County Fair Queen is Megan Medlock, daughter of Lynne and Chuck Medlock, Syracuse.
She is a 2004 graduate of Wawasee High School and attends Saint Mary's College and Notre Dame. She was crowned by Megan Davis, 2004 Miss Kosciusko County Fair Queen. The new queen will receive a $1,700 college scholarship, several miscellaneous gifts and the entry fee and a wardrobe allowance for the state pageant.
The first runner-up, Allison Scherer, is the daughter of Pam and Bill Scherer, Syracuse, and is a 2003 honors graduate of Wawasee High School. She will be a junior at Purdue University. She received a $875 scholarship and other gifts.
The second runner-up was Courtney Woodward, daughter of Jeff and Cheri Bryan and Bruce Woodward, all of Winona Lake. She received a $500 scholarship and will be a junior at Warsaw Community High School.
Third runner-up was Laurel Jenks, daughter of Phil and Shannon Jenks, Warsaw, who received a $250 scholarship. She is a 2003 honors graduate of Warsaw Community High School and will be a junior at Indiana University in Indianapolis.
Miss Congeniality was Karen Sand, daughter of Daryl and Kathy Sand, Warsaw, and she received a $200 scholarship. She was a 2005 graduate of Warsaw Community High School and plans to attend Purdue University.
Litasha Blair, Warsaw, daughter of Linda and Robert Blair, won a $200 scholarship for being the non-finalist interview winner.
Other contestants were: Stacey Hatfield, Winona Lake; Alisha Henry, North Webster; Crystal Hill, Etna Green; Krystalle Johnson, Syracuse; Erin Kantz, Milford; Christi Mann, Warsaw; Sarah Pitt, Warsaw; and Katie Richardson, Pierceton.
In addition to Davis, the following former Kosciusko County Fair Queens were recognized: Janet Riley Trexler, 1957; Carol Emmons Valentine, 1958; Cheryl Lenwell Pletcher, 1967; Donnette Chambers Smock, 1969; Valerie Kerlin Warner, 1974; Angie Conley Huston, 1982; Heather Kenney Luessenhop, 1991; Amber Rohlfing Stout, 1992; Julie Lanoue Zolvinski, 1994; Laura Refior White, 1995; Jamie Teel Martin, 1997; Heather Lamb Lechlitner, 1999; Alyssa Bott, 2000; Stephanie Wilson Boyd, 2001; and Annette Lamb, 2003.
During the 2004 queen's year in review, Davis awarded an honorary crown to Kailey Zehr, who Davis called a true role model for her efforts fighting a crippling disease.
Emcees for the event were Kevin Deardorff and Clint Pletcher, Lake City Bank. Luke Sefton serenaded the contestants during the formal wear competition, and magician Kevin Wilson provided entertainment while the final votes were being tallied.
The judges were: Debra and Ron Bunt, Allen County; Julie Dilorenzo, Elkhart County; and Deb Mosson, St. Joseph County.
The contestants were judged based upon individual interviews (55 percent), professional wear (15 percent), sportswear (5 percent) and formal wear and on-stage question (25 percent). The on-stage question was the same for all contestants, "If you are crowned queen, you would be viewed as a role model. How do you define a role model?"
This year's sponsors were: Beta Sigma Phi, Bowers Jewelry, Community First Bank & Trust, Grossnickle Eye Center, Dr. Thomas and Zoe Thomas Howard, Lake City Bank, Lavender Law Offices, Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Nelson Beverage, NIPSCO, Royal Crown Limited, Woodward Realty and Zimmer.
The 2005 queen will represent Kosciusko County at the Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant in Indianapolis and at the Indiana State Festivals Queen Pageant.
The pageant committee, headed by directors Nikki Hurley and Jamie Martin, included Stephanie Boyd, Megan Davis, Adam Goshert, Sue Goshert, Becky Martin, Barb Teel and Jim Teel. Committee members and judges have prior pageant experience.
The pageant motto is: "My crown is in my heart, not on my head; Not decked with diamonds and Indian Stones, nor to be seen. My crown is called 'Content.' A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy." -ÊWilliam Shakespeare.
