The 2005 edition of the Swiss Wine Festival got underway last Thursday evening under beautiful warm conditions, and the opening night was highlighted by the crowning of Ashley Bright as this year’s Edelweiss Teen Princess.
Ashley Bright was selected from a field of 16 contestants, all of whom impressed the three judge panel both evening wear and traditional Swiss attire. Each of the contestants also answered an impromptu question given by emcee Greg Curlin as part of the judging.
Princess Ashley Bright is a junior at Switzerland County High School, and was sponsored in this year’s pageant by Heritage Hill Farms, Inc. She is the daughter of Georganna Chambers of Vevay, and in high school she is a member of the varsity cross country, basketball, and softball teams. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and was vice president of the sophomore class. Following graduation she plans on attending college and studying child psychology.
The first runner up in the Teen Princess pageant was Emily Lanman. She was sponsored in this year’s pageant by State Farm Insurance, and is the daughter of Pat and Jacquita Lanman of Vevay. She is a freshman at Switzerland County High School, and is a member of National Junior Honor Society; and she is a freshman cheerleader. She is a seven-year member of the 4-H program, and is a member of the Olive Branch Baptist Church Youth Group. Following graduation she would like to be an elementary teacher or a pediatric audiologist.
Jillian Hazeldean was selected as the second runner up in this year’s pageant, and she was also honored by her fellow contestants by being named Miss Congeniality.
Jill Hazeldean is a junior at Switzerland County High School, and was sponsored in the pageant by the Schenck Mansion Bed and Breakfast. She is the daughter of Jerry and Jan Hazeldean of Tapps Ridge, and was the third runner up in the 2004 Teen Princess pageant. She is a varsity cheerleader, a member of FFA, Prayer Group, and the Markland Baptist Church Youth Group. Following high school she plans on being a fashion model and designer.
The third runner up on Thursday night was Kaitlynn Rayls. She was sponsored in the pageant by Brown’s Farm Implement, and is a freshman at Switzerland County High School. She is the granddaughter of Darrell and Jeannie Thurnall of Moorefield; and earned the middle school superlative as “Most Athletic”. She was an All American Scholar with the United States Achievement Academy; and participates in basketball. She plans on attending the University of Kentucky, where she hopes to play basketball; and wants to be a photographer.
Carrie Truax was the fourth runner up in the Teen Princess pageant. She is an eighth grader at Switzerland County Middle School, and was sponsored in the pageant by Pam’s Scissor Talk. She is the daughter of Candy and John Haskell of near Florence and Larry and Julie Truax of Madison. Carrie participates in basketball, is a peer mediator, and is a member of the 4-H program. She is on the All A Honor Roll, and is a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. She wants to major in secondary education after high school, and plans on being a girls basketball coach.
Other contestants in this year’s Edelweiss Teen Princess pageant included: Bethany Bragg, Laci Daugherty, Crystal Jackson, Sarah Morgan, Ashlee Randolph, Samantha Smith, Jenna South, Heather Thomas, Kimberly Vann, Emilee Waldron, and Karista Wengert.