Sixteen girls will vie for the title of Miss Fall Festival of Leaves when the 51st annual scholarship pageant is held Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Paxton Theatre in Bainbridge.
Vicki Mettler, longtime director of the queen pageant, will retire after this year’s festival, and to honor her hard work over the years and to recognize previous queens, a slide presentation will be shown featuring the girls from the first pageant up to the present.
“Both myself and my daughter have been involved in the queen’s pageant for about 20 years now,” Mettler told The Times-Gazette, “so we’re handing the reigns over to fellow committee member Amanda Dyer.”
Mettler said the queen pageant judges look for poise and personality, and there are scholarships for the queen and her court, provided by donations from local citizens. A $1,000 scholarship goes to the queen, with $500, $400, $300 and $200 scholarships going to the first, second, third and fourth runners-up, respectively.
The scholarships are awarded in the memory of Lorraine Granger, a former teacher at Paint Valley Schools who was also involved with the festival.
The theme for this year’s pageant is “Timeless Memories.”
Following is a brief bio on each of this year’s contestants including their name, home school district, age, parents and activities:
Hannah Carter — Greenfield McClain, the 17-year-daughter of Lawana Chaney and Karen Sword. Her interests and activities include 14-year 4-H member, photography, four-wheeler riding, fishing, hunting, animals and spending time with family and friends.
Arianna Cole — Greenfield McClain, the 17-year-old daughter of Chas and Alicia Cottrill. Her interests and activities include Cadet Corps, track, volleyball, swim team, enjoys spending time with family.
Dakota Daugherty — Paint Valley, the 16-year-old daughter of Pamela Evans and the late Brad Daugherty. Her interests and activities include softball, enjoys riding horses and helping others around her.
Makinsey Greisheimer — Chillicothe, the 18-year-old daughter of Nikki Gallagher and stepfather Jason Gallagher. Her interests and activities include fishing, bowling, coaches cheerleading, volunteer at Springfield Fire Department, STNA and spending time with siblings.
Keegan Hall — Adena, the 17-year-old daughter of Yvonne Hall and Richie Hall. Her interests and activities include running for junior representative, eight-year member of Adena Hustlers 4-H Club, member of school yearbook staff, photo editor, varsity cheerleader, basketball, Drug Free Clubs of America and Key Club.
Madison Hanks — Zane Trace, the 17-year-old daughter of Shawn and Tiffany Hanks. Her interests and activities include soccer, cheer, track, Drug Free Clubs of America, 4-H, Mighty Children Museum Volunteer.
Shelby Elliott — Paint Valley, the 18-year-old daughter of Rusty and Cindy Elliott. Her interests and activities include 10-year member of 4-H, National Honor Society, Science Club, Drug Free Clubs of America, cross country, track, enjoys camping, riding four-wheelers, fishing and hunting.
Hallie Lallier — Unioto, the 16-year-old daughter of Kelly Doughty and Josh Lallier. Her interests and activities include Drug Free Clubs of America, cheerleading, singing, photography, softball and playing piano.
Angel Overmyer — Unioto, the 16-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Overmyer. Her interests and activities include photography, going on hikes, fishing and watching the stars at night, Drug Free Clubs of America.
Victoria Rhoads — Paint Valley, the 15-year-old daughter of Ryan Ann Rhoads (mother), Wendy Brown (grandmother) and the late Dustin Rhoads.Her interests and activities include volleyball, cheerleading, drama club, Drug Free Clubs of America, enjoys hunting and fishing.
Alexus Rinehart — Paint Valley, the 18-year-old daughter of Paul and Shari Rinehart. Her interests and activities include EMT at Paxton Area Life Squad, currently in firefighter class to become a firefighter at Bainbridge Fire Department, enjoys spending time with her dogs.
Electa Seymour — Ohio University-Chillicothe, the 18-year-old daughter of Jerry and Amanda Seymour. Her interests and activities include freshman cheerleader at OU-C, works at McDonald’s, attends and volunteers at First Wesleyan Church, studying nursing.
Heather Seymour — Paint Valley, the 18-year-old daughter of Cathy Jones. Her interests and activities include works at McDonald’s, attends Act’s Believe Church and enjoys going on mission trips.
Liza Jane Throne — Southeastern, the 16-year-old daughter of Jennifer Hayburn and Michael Throne. Her interests and activities include basketball, varsity cheerleader, Spanish Club, Drug Free Clubs of America.
Sammie Truitt — Unioto, the 15-year-old daughter of Rob and Stephanie Truitt. Her interests and activities include cheerleader, student council, FCCLA, prom committee and Drug Free Clubs of America, enjoys hiking.
Briana Zeger — Unioto, the 15-yer-old daughter of Krystal and Josh Lallier. Her interests and activities include dance, softball, volleyball, cheer, 4-H.
