Katheryne Stoll, 20,
daughter of Kenton and Marcia Stoll, took the crown in what had to
be a difficult decision for the panel of judges. Katheryne, a 2000
Mount Pulaski High School graduate, is a senior at the University of
Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She is studying human nutrition and
hopes to go on toward a master's degree in agriculture education.
Katheryne has been
involved in Logan County Fair events since childhood, competing in
various categories of the 4-H program. "Being part of this fair is
like coming home," Katheryne stated prior to the competition.
"I was first
runner-up in 2001 and wanted another chance at the crown," she said.
Well, Katheryne's hard work and dedication paid off last night as
she humbly became the 65th recipient of the Logan County tiara. She
follows in the footsteps of her sister, Elizabeth, who wore the
crown in 2000.
First runner-up is
Laura Pollett, 19, of Lincoln. Laura is the daughter of Ron and Pam
Pollett and a 2002 LCHS graduate. She is currently a sophomore at
Northern Illinois University and is studying broadcasting and
political science.
Laura stated that she
was "not nervous -- just excited." Public speaking comes naturally
to Laura, as was evident in her response to the judges' question,
"Who is the most influential person in your life?" Laura talked
about her relationship with her brother, Matt, and how he was a role
model to her.
Second runner-up is
Cara Cannon, 19, daughter of Charles and Kristine Cannon of Mount
Pulaski. A 2002 grad of MPHS, Cara is currently studying biology
education at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She plans
to obtain her master's degree in educational administration and
eventually be a high school principal or administrator. Cara stated
that the Logan County Fair is "a place where all the great things of
our county come together."
Miss Congeniality,
chosen by the candidates themselves, is Emily Wilkinson, 19, of
Lincoln. Emily is the daughter of Bernard and Donna Wilkinson and a
2002 LCHS graduate. Emily states that she is not the "typical beauty
queen type." She is currently attending Lakeland College on a
softball scholarship and is studying special education. Emily works
with residents of a facility for developmentally disabled adults.
She states that her clientele "have taught me so much about life --
they have made me a better person."
The four corners of
Logan County were well represented, with candidates from Lincoln,
Mount Pulaski, Chestnut, Elkhart, Beason, Atlanta and New Holland.
Although the lineup looked like auditions for "Legally Blonde 3,"
each candidate brought to the stage a freshness that captivated the
audience.
Alexandrea Davis of
Lincoln, the only candidate who remains in high school, was one of
three lovely brunettes in this sea of gold-haired beauties. Alex
hopes to graduate early and join the Marine Corps. She would also
like to study fashion design or photography at the Illinois Art
Institute. Alex states that she has learned more about herself
through this experience.
Amber Deiss and
Brianna Sheldon also represented the city of Lincoln.
Amber Deiss, 17,
received a soccer scholarship to play for Lincoln College. She has
coached YMCA soccer teams and hopes to be a kindergarten teacher.
Brianna Sheldon, 18,
of Lincoln, will attend Western Illinois University and study
criminal justice. She dreams of someday being a United States
marshal.
