As always, the first night of the Swiss Wine Festival is highlighted tonight by the crowning of some festival royalty – capped by the crowning of this year’s Edelweiss Teen Princess on the Main Stage beginning at 8:15 p.m.; and this year’s Princess will be crowned by this year’s Edelweiss Princess, McKayli Scudder; and the 2016 Teen Princess, Calleigh Powell.
This year there are six contestants vying for the honor of being the Teen Princess:
– ANNABELLE ANGELYNN BEAR is being sponsored in the pageant by Madison Gymnastics World; and is the daughter of T.R. and Lindy Bear. She is 14 years old and a freshman at Switzerland County High School. Annabelle is a member of Madison Gymnastics World as a competitive gymnast. In 2016-2017, she earned fifth place in the state championships. She is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a member of Student Council in Middle School. She is also active in fundraisers and support groups for EDS. When Annabelle is not competing as a gymnast, Annabelle enjoys singing and playing the piano and helping out with her animals on the farm.
After high school Annabelle plans to attend college to become a farm veterinarian.
-HAVEN ALEXA BURROW is being sponsored in the pageant by Jennifer Scudder/State Farm; and is the daughter of Shannon and Desiree Burrow. She is 16 years old and is a junior at Connections Academy.
Haven is an eight year member of 4-H and a four year member of 4-H Junior Leaders. She is also a member of B.A.D. Youth Ministry. She is also an honor roll student.
Haven enjoys singing, acting, photography, special effects make-up, writing music and playing the piano.
After high school Haven plans on attending Purdue University to major in corporate law with a minor in business.
– DESTINE LYNN PEELMAN is being sponsored in the pageant by MainSource Bank; and is the daughter of Darrell and Beverly Peelman. She is 15 years old, and a sophomore at Switzerland County High School.
Destine is part of the 2016 state qualifying cheer squad and a member of the 2016 ORVC winning track team. Destine enjoys cheerleading, swimming, horseback riding, baking and spending time with her family and friends.
After graduation Destine would like to become a cosmetologist.
– DELANIE SHA SWANSON is being sponsored in the pageant by Young Farms; and is the daughter of Darren Swanson and Christy Caplinger. She is 16 years old and a junior at Switzerland County High School.
Delanie is a member of 4-H, FFA and Varsity Volleyball; and she enjoys shooting clay pigeons, showing cattle, attending concerts and spending time with her friends and family.
Delanie is attending vocational school to study electrical trade in hopes of one day becoming an electrician.
– ALEIAH JANELLE THOMAS is being sponsored in the pageant by H & Co. Hair Salon; and is the daughter of Harold and Tina Thomas. She is 15 years old and a sophomore at Switzerland County High School.
Aleiah is the 2016 Freshman of the year for basketball and track at Switzerland County High School, and is a state participant in high jump. She was a winner in high jump at sectionals and received the ‘Best 3-point Shooter’ award in basketball.
After graduation Aleiah plans on attending Indiana University to play basketball and study physical therapy and also become a part-time cosmetologist.
– KAITLYN AMBER YEARY is being sponsored in the pageant by Shell’s Gas Station; and is the daughter of Jennifer Coy. She is 15 years old, and a sophomore at Switzerland County High School. Kaitlyn is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and a seven year 4-H member.
Kaitlyn enjoys soccer, golf, basketball, track, riding horses and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys volunteering at the animal shelter.
After graduation Kaitlyn plans on attending Hanover College to become a Physical Therapist Assistant.