The 40th Swiss Wine Festival got underway last Thursday night, and the evening was capped by Cayli Chase being crowned as this year’s Edelweiss Teen Princess.
She was selected from a field of 12 contestants, and reigned over this year’s festival along with Princess Andrea Brogan and Prince Connor Osowski.
Cayli Chase is the daughter of Todd and Angie Chase of Fairview Road; and is a sophomore this year at Switzerland County High School. She was sponsored in the pageant by New Beginnings Bridal.
She is active in cheerleading, the French Club, SADD, and Student Council. She enjoys tumbling, running, watching TV, and doing volunteer work.
After graduation her career plans are to attend Indiana University and become an obstetrician.
The first runner up in the Teen Princess pageant was Lensi Parham.
Lensi Parham is the daughter of Joe and Crystal Parham of near Vevay, and is a junior this fall at Switzerland County High School. She was sponsored in the pageant by Parham Excavating.
She is a member of the National Honor Society; is treasurer of the Key Club; and is active in FFA, FCA, SADD, Pep Club, and Drama Club. She is the student representative to the Swiss Wine Festival board; and is the captain of the soccer team. She also volunteers at the animal shelter.
Her career ambition is to attend college and pursue a career at a prosecuting attorney.
Earning second runner up honors was Shyla Prince.
Shyla Prince was sponsored in the pageant by the Schenck Mansion Bed and Breakfast, and is the daughter of Roseann and Robert Owens and Frankie Prince. She is a sophomore at Switzerland County High School.
She is a member of Markland Baptist Church; and in school is a member of the Pep Club; Spanish Club; and is a cheerleader. She earned the Most Improved Award in cheerleading; and also an award for excellence in Spanish. She enjoys reading, drawing, and riding four-wheelers.
Following graduation, Shyla plans on attending college and studying to be a pediatric nurse; and would one day like to start her own clinic.
Stephanie Smith was honored as the third runner up.
Stephanie Smith is a freshman at Switzerland County High School, and was sponsored by Golden Shears Barber Shop. She is the daughter of Susan Smith and Paul Smith.
She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society; was treasurer of her sixth grade class; and is active with her 4-H club. She participates in volleyball, cheerleading, and is also on the soccer and track teams. She enjoys playing the flute and racing four-wheelers and dirtbikes.
Stephanie’s career goal after high school is to attend Indiana University and study to become a children’s psychologist.
The fourth runner up was Lauren Haskell.
Lauren Haskell is the daughter of Cindy Haskell and Eddie Haskell, and was sponsored in the pageant by Karrie’s Kuts and Kurls. She is a sophomore at Switzerland County High School.
She is a member of the varsity soccer team; is a varsity cheerleader; and is also active in FFA, Outdoors Club, French Club, and Pep Club. She is a member of Olive Branch Baptist Church and the youth group; and is also active in the 4-H program.
She is currently undecided on a career direction, but would like to have a career working with children because she enjoys being around infants and toddlers.
Selected by her fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality was Olivia Hewitt.
Olivia Hewitt was sponsored in the pageant by River Ridge Realtors, and is a junior at Switzerland County High School. She is the daughter of David Hewitt and Christy Cutter.
She is a member of the National Honor Society; participated in the sophomore leadership program; and is active in FFA, where she served as treasurer, vice president, and will serve as president this year. She is also active in 4-H; SADD; the Pep Club; and is on the volleyball, swimming, and track teams.
Following graduation she plans on attending Purdue University and study to become an orthopedic surgeon or rehabilitation doctor.
Other contestants in this year’s pageant included: Amanda Chatham, Emily Evans, Tyler Peelman, Hannah Slover, Morgan Stamper, and Korah Taylor.