Switzerland County High School and the Switzerland County FFA chapter will crown its “Queen of Hearts” during a pageant set for this Wednesday, February 20th. The pageant will be held in the cafeteria of the high school, and will begin at 7 p.m.; and is a yearly program of the FFA as a means of creating community service.
The difference between the “Queen of Hearts” pageant and other contest held throughout the year is that each contestant is asked to promote a platform of service that is important to them, and then discuss that platform as part of the pageant.
The Switzerland County FFA chapter will then take on the project and cause of the “Queen of Hearts” winner for the coming year. Last year’s “Queen of Hearts” was Paige Ridener, and her platform was child abuse prevention and awareness, so the FFA chapter has been embracing that cause over the past year.
This year there are 10 contestants in the pageant:
– DESTINY BROWN: Destiny Brown is the daughter of Misty and Paul Dermon and Anthony Brown, and is being sponsored in the pageant by Bowling Farm Equipment. She is a member of the band; plays softball; and is a junior varsity cheerleader. She is also active in the Switzerland County 4-H program. She has participated in the Swiss Wine Festival Teen Princess pageant; and her career goal is to attend college and become a pharmacist.
Her platform for the pageant is Riley Children’s Hospital.
- KELSEY LYNN BUSH: Kelsey Bush is the daughter of LeeAnn Bush, Denton Bush, and Jeff May, and she is being sponsored in the pageant by Sheets and Sons Enterprise. She is a member of the cheerleading squad; the Pep Club; student council; art club; and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has also participated as the school’s mascot. Her career plans include graduating from college with a degree in physical therapy and obtaining a job as a physical therapist.
Her platform for the pageant is the ‘Make a Wish’ Foundation.
– LAUREN NICOLE HASKELL: Lauren Haskell is the daughter of Cindy Haskell and Eddie Haskell, and is sponsored in the pageant by Edelweiss Floral. She is a member of the FFA; outdoor club; the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Pep Club; and the yearbook staff. She participates in soccer, cheerleading, and on the swim team. She is a member of the Olive Branch Baptist Church youth group; volunteers with the Little Swiss Polka Dancers; and is a nine-year member of 4-H. Her ambition after college is to pursue a career in the child care field helping special needs children.
Her platform for the pageant is the Special Olympics.
– JACQUELINE HENSLEY: Jacqueline Hensley is the daughter of Bobby and Monica Hensley, and is sponsored in the pageant by Detraz Services. She has participated in varsity basketball, volleyball, and swimming; and is a member of the Spanish Club; the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Business Professionals of America; and Junior Historical Society. Her career plans include attending college to become a physical therapist..
Her platform for the pageant is the Switzerland County Animal Shelter.
– OLIVIA HEWITT: Olivia Hewitt is the daughter of David Hewitt and Christy Cutter; and is being sponsored in the “Queen of Hearts” pageant by Christy Cutter and River Ridge Realtors. She is a member of the varsity volleyball, swimming, and track teams; and is active in the FFA chapter. She is also active in the Key Club; Pep Club; and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Her career ambition is to graduate as valedictorian of her class, attend college, and earn a degree in physical therapy.
Her platform for the pageant is serving veterans and their families.
– NICOLE LEAP: Nicole Leap is the daughter of Roy and Julie Leap, and is sponsored in the pageant by Chris Bolton Construction. She is the Community Chair of the FFA chapter; and is a member of the Pep Club; the Spanish Club; and participates in the Special Olympics “Polar Plunge”. She is a member of the varsity soccer team and a member of Fredonia Baptist Church. Her plans after high school include entering the radiology program at King’s Daughters’ Hospital.
Her platform for the pageant is the American Red Cross.
– ELIZABETH NIBARGER: Elizabeth Nibarger is the daughter of Sara Beth Nibarger, and is being sponsored in the pageant by the Switzerland County YMCA. She is a member of the student council; the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; the Conservation Club; Key Club; and the Junior Historical Society. She also participates on the swimming, track and cross country teams. Following graduation, her career ambition is to attend college and major in occupational or aquatic therapy.
Her platform for the pageant is The Switzerland County Animal Shelter.
- STEPHANIE SMITH: Stephanie Smith is the daughter of Susan Smith and Paul Smith; and is being sponsored in the pageant by Golden Shear Barber Shop. She is a varsity cheerleader; and has participated on the soccer and volleyball teams. She is a member of the Business Professionals of America; Spanish Club; Pep Club; and was Vice President of her Freshman class. She plans on attending Indiana University following graduation to pursue a career in psychology.
Her platform for the pageant is child abuse prevention and awareness.
- KORAH TAYLOR: Korah Taylor is the daughter of Andi and Joey Wainscott, and is being sponsored in the pageant by Waiback Forty Farms. She is a member of the Business Professionals of America; the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; and the Junior Historical Society. She is a senior class officer and a member of student council; and is also active in 4-H. Her career ambition is to major in criminology and psychology and minor in sociology at Indiana State University.
Her platform for the pageant is the Vevay Recycling Program.
– KASSANDRA WOODWARD: Kassandra Woodward is the daughter of Scott and Christine Woodward, and is being sponsored in the pageant by her parents. During high school she has been active in the Outdoor Club and is also a member of the wrestling team. She is currently in the delayed entry program with the U.S. Marine Corps. Her career plans are to serve her country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Her platform of the pageant is the Switzerland County Animal Shelter.