Jessica Wagner crowned Miss Pulaski County

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Published: Monday, 27 June 2016 23:30

Jessica Wagner, a junior at the University of Indianapolis, was crowned Miss Pulaski County 2016 Sunday night from among eight contestants. She is the daughter of Darrin and Tina Wagner of Winamac.

The annual pageant is held during the Pulaski County 4-H & Community Fair. The new queen was crowned following a glittering evening of professional wear, evening gown and impromptu question competition.

Jessica Wagner was crowned 2016 Miss Pulaski County Sunday night at the annual pageant held during the Pulaski County 4-H & Community Fair. With her are Peoples Choice winner Braylin Balough, second runner-up Tori Howard, first runner-up Donna Zehner, Miss Congeniality Maddie Ruff and 2015 Queen Macy Bischoff

The queen's court included first runner-up Donna Zehner, second runner-up Tori Howard, Miss Congeniality Maddie Ruff and Peoples Choice winner Braylin Balough.

The evening also included a farewell speech and final runway walk by 2015 queen Macy Bischoff.

The contestants took part in a preliminary competition earlier in the day at Winamac First United Methodist Church. Three out-of-county individuals, Taylor Seymore, Hannah Streitmatter and Shawn Gearhart, judged the pageant contestants.The pageant committee has been working with the contestants since late May on various professional life skills which will help them on pageant day as well as in their future endeavors.

For the fourth year, a People’s Choice prize was given at the queen pageant. This award gives the community a chance to vote for its favorite candidate and serves as a fundraiser to help cover pageant expenses and prizes for the candidates. Votes were $1 each and voting took place from 6 to 8 p.m. before the pageant.

Mistress of Ceremonies for the pageant was former Miss Pulaski County, Stacy Gudas.

The pageant committee includes Ashley Reinhold, Lindsay Winter, Alyssa Tellez, Alyssa Garnett, Jordan Brandt and Cortney Brandt.

The candidates have been meeting since late May to prepare for the pageant with training in make-up, public speaking and interviewing, along with rehearsals, mock judgings, club appearances and other events.

The new queen and her court will receive cash and other prizes. The queen will also receive a crown, a dozen roses, a sash, and a queen’s pin for the year in memory of 1981 Miss Pulaski County Sharon Powers. The runners-up also receive prizes, tiaras, and sashes.

The new queen will also compete for the title of Miss Indiana State Fair in January 2017in Indianapolis The state pageant was moved two years ago from August to January.

The local pageant is made possible through the sponsorship of many local clubs and area merchants.

All contestant photos were generously provided by GFB Photography, located in downtown Winamac.

The 2016 Miss Pulaski County contestants were:

Braylin Balough	Ariel Barlow
Mackenzie Howard	Tori Howard
Rachel Ploss	Maddie Ruff
Jessica Wagner	Donna Zehner

Braylin Balough

Sponsor: West Central Water Management

Ariel Barlow

Sponsor: Kitty Gutwein

Mackenzie Howard

Sponsor: Paul DeSabatine

Tori Howard

Sponsor: Angela Anspach of Refined

Rachel Ploss

Sponsor: Gene Timm of Timm Services

Maddie Ruff

Sponsor: Keller Advisory Group