The events of the 2006 Swiss Wine Festival got underway on Sunday evening with the crowning of the 2006 Princess and Prince during the scholarship program held in the Center Stage Showroom at Belterra Casino Resort and Spa.
This year’s Wine Festival princess is Sydney Pike.
Sydney Pike is the daughter of Billy and Tanya Pike of near Bennington. She has begun her senior year at Switzerland County High School, where she is a member of the newspaper staff, National Honor Society, co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, and was the 2006 Queen of Hearts. She was the 2004 Edelweiss Teen Princess, was junior class secretary, and is a member of Switzerland County Area Youth. Her career plans include owning her own business.
Mat Deaton was crowned as this year’s prince.
He is the son of Sheri Deaton of near Vevay and Todd Deaton of Vevay, and is a 2006 graduate of Switzerland County High School. He will soon begin his freshman year at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology. In high school he was a member of the National Honor Society; and earned the 2006 Sam Walton Community Scholarship; the Wahl Scholarship; the Bosaw Scholarship; the American Legion Scholarship; and the Sons of the American Legion Scholarship. He plans on pursuing a career in civil engineering.
The first runner up in this year’s princess contest was Megan Lohide.
She s the daughter of Mark and Lee Jaye Lohide of near East Enterprise. She is a 2005 graduate of Switzerland County High School, and will be beginning her sophomore year at Ball State University this fall. She was the 2004 Miss Switzerland County; and the 2002 Edelweiss Teen Princess. She plans on pursuing a career as a mathematics teacher and would also like to coach cheerleading.
The first runner up in the prince program was Loren Lamson, Jr. He also tied for the title of Mister Congeniality, as voted by his fellow contestants.
He is the son of Loren and Marlene Lamson of Vevay.
He is a 2005 graduate of Switzerland County High School; and is currently attending Western Kentucky University. He was a 10-year member of the 4-H program; and is a member of Riverview Baptist Church. He is majoring in physical education.
Emilee Waldron is this year’s princess program second runner up.
She is the daughter of Tony Waldron of Versailles and Greg and Dorie Peelman of East Enterprise.
She is a junior at Switzerland County High School, and is a member of the National Honor Society; the ‘All A’ Honor Roll; is treasurer of the FFA; and participates in cross country, track, softball, and is a varsity cheerleader. She plans on pursuing a career as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
The second runner up in the prince program was Justin Wagner.
Justin Wagner is the son of Danny and Cindi Wagner of Vevay, and is a junior at Switzerland County High School. He currently serves as the vice president of the Business Professionals of America; and he is a member of the Junior Historical Society and the French Club. He is a first degree black belt in Shaolin-Do karate. He plans on earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
The third runner up in the princess program was Brianne Martin.
She is the daughter of Rebecca Martin of Vevay, and is a 2005 graduate of Switzerland County High School. She will be a sophomore this fall at Indiana Wesleyan University; and while in high school she was a class officer and was the Queen of the Versailles Pumpkin Show. She earned the Bosaw Scholarship, the Bakes Scholarship, and the Wahl Scholarship. Her career plans are to become a secondary English teacher and also to be a part time photographer.
Jake Haskell was the third runner up in the prince contest, and also tied for the title of Mister Congeniality.
Jake Haskell is the son of Darlene Haskell of near Center Square and John Haskell of near Florence.
He is a junior at Switzerland County High School, and is a member of the FFA program and the Business Professionals of America. He is also active in the 4-H program; and participates in soccer and golf. He plans on pursuing a career in golf course management and landscape and horticulture; or possibly law enforcement.
This year’s fourth runner up in the princess program was Laura Hoskins.
She is the daughter of Angela Hoskins of Quercus Grove and Billy Hoskins of Jacksonville. She is a 2004 graduate of Switzerland County High School; and was the 2005 Miss Switzerland County. She is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was a 10-year 4-H member. She plans on completing her degree in business administration at Indiana University East, and will pursue a business career with a large corporation.
In the prince contest, T.J. Sefton and Travis Webster tied for fourth runner up.
T.J. Sefton is the son of Mark and Debi Sefton of near Moorefield. He is a senior at Switzerland County High School, where he participates in varsity basketball, varsity baseball; the school newspaper; FCA; and pep club. He plans to continue his education following high school to pursue a career in sports management.
Travis Webster is the son of Barry and Jo Webster of Popcorn Ridge. He is a senior at Switzerland County High School; and is a member of the varsity basketball, cross country, and baseball teams. Following graduation he plans on attending college and studying business, and would also like to play college baseball.
The princess contestants selected Brittany Mukadam as this year’s Miss Congeniality.
She is the daughter of Kathleen and Richard Mukadam of near East Enterprise; and is a 2006 graduate of Switzerland County High School. She will be a freshman this fall at Ivy Tech State College. Her career goals are to further her education at Northern Kentucky University, working to obtain a degree in communications and graphic design.
Other princess contestants included: Ashley Bright, Natalie Graham, Jenna South (who was not able to compete because she had just become a new aunt), Brittany Waddle, Mattie Waddle, and Lauren Williams.
This year’s Swiss Wine Festival will be held in the Paul Ogle Riverfront Park in Vevay from August 24th-27th.