The Miss Wells County pageant will take place at 7:30 p.m. Monday on the 4-H Fair stage.
During this time, new winners for Miss Wells County and Miss Wells County Teen will be crowned, taking over the reign of Emmy Cupp and Macy Richmond, respectively.
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The following women are competing in the Miss Wells County pageant.
Karlie Brown is the daughter of Donald and Mary Brown.
This fall, she will attend Ball State University Honors College to major in psychology. Her goal is to obtain a doctorate and become a mental health counselor. She will audition for the choir and plans to join the student government association. She is a 2023 graduate of Bluffton High School, where she was involved in student council, tennis, softball, and cheerleading. She received an ACAC All-Conference Academic award in tennis and the Mental Attitude Award in cheer for persevering after a major knee surgery. She was very active in concert choir and chamber choir and has been awarded many times for her singing. Karlie has also been awarded many scholarships for her academic and extracurricular achievements. In 4-H, she has received many awards, including 1st Place in Advanced Showmanship with her alpaca Fleetwood, overall grand champion showmanship, and junior and senior 4-H ambassador. She is also a co-president of the Junior Leaders Club. Karlie is a 13-member of the Rising Stars Twirling Academy and has won multiple awards in twirling, including qualifying to compete in the 2021 and 2019 USTA Nationals. She now teaches 3-5 year “Mini Stars” at the academy. Karlie attends Oak Grove United Methodist Church and was a member of Students for Christ in high school. Karlie enjoys reading, twirling batons, playing tennis and singing. She has many animals and enjoys spending time with them. She also loves working at Taco Bell. Karlie was crowned Miss Wells County Teen in 2021. Karlie is sponsored by Family Ford of Bluffton.
Sarah Bueter is the daughter of Jim and Kierstin Bueter.
She will attend Ball State University Honors College this fall to study elementary education and special education. She has been involved in the Creative Arts Council dance for 13 years. In school, Sarah was involved in the Bluffton High School marching band, managed the Bluffton girls’ swim team, participated in the National Honor Society and was a member of the student council. She has also been a Creative Arts Council instructional assistant and attended the Indiana Ambassadors of Music European tour this year. In her free time, Sarah loves to dance and exercise. Sarah is sponsored by the Creative Arts Council.
Grace Meeks is the daughter of David and Jennifer Meeks.
She has been accepted into Ball State’s honors college and will major in exercise science. Her focus will be on occupational therapy to pursue a graduate degree. Grace is secretary for the Southern Wells Sunshine Club, a 5-year member of the FFA chapter and a core group leader of Campus Life. She is also a member of the Southern Wells girls’ golf team, where she won 1st Team All-Conference, ACAC team champion, ACAC individual champion, section runner-up individual champion and regional qualifier. This year, she won the Bluffton Elks Student of the Year and Southern Wells Top Senior Citizenship Award. She has danced at the Creative Arts Council for 13 years and is a Cecchetti USA Level 4, 5, 6 Student and TC-1A instructor. She is a 10-year member of 4-H with multiple projects and has been a qualifier in many State Fair fashion review honor groups. Grace’s hobbies include hiking, playing the piano, arts and crafts, dancing, fishing and sewing. Grace is sponsored by Antique Engine Rebuilding.
Raegan Neuenschwander is the daughter of Keith and Lisa Neuenschwander.
Her dream is to graduate from Huntington University with her bachelor’s degree in nursing and an associate degree in nutrition. Upon graduating, she would like to work at Parkview Hospital in the pediatric oncology unit to help children battling cancer just like her nurses did for her. She would also like to obtain a master’s degree in nursing and a doctorate in nursing practice and continue to work in Pediatric Oncology. Raegan graduated from Bluffton High School with a 4.03 GPA and 4th in her class. While in school, she was a member of the Book Review Club, girls’ golf, track and bowling, National Honor Society, and served as co-editor and chief of the yearbook and chapter president of Business Professionals of America. She was a member of the Dance Co. in Bluffton and the Rising Stars twirling academy. In 2019 and 2020, she was crowned the Miss Wells County Teen. At Huntington University, she is the treasurer of student government, coaches competitive twirling and will be raising money for Saint Jude Children’s Hospital. Last year, she and her friend raised over $1000 for Saint Jude’s cancer research. She also volunteered by sewing feminine hygiene products to be sent overseas so young women could continue their education. Raegan also enjoys being outside, bowling, spending time with family and friends, reading, needle felting, embroidering and volunteering in her free time.
Alyssa Toland is the daughter of Mike and Erin Toland.
She currently works at Southern Wells Elementary School as an instructional aide in a kindergarten classroom. She also works in the Wells County Extension Office during the summer and cleans houses during the school year. In the future, she would like to obtain a master’s degree in Elementary Counseling. Alyssa graduated from Southern Wells High School in 2021. She attends and teaches Sunday school at Southern Wells Community Church. She was a 10-year 4-H member where her projects included dairy feeder, meat goats, sewing, food preservations and fashion review. In high school, she was an FFA member, played golf for four years and cheered. She also participated in Campus Life, Sunshine Society, Spanish Club and Global Opportunities Club. She also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club in Berne and was awarded Miss Wells County Teen in 2018. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys gardening, reading, taking yoga classes, spending time with friends and family, sewing and doing makeup and hair for special events. Alyssa is sponsored by Becks Excavating.
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The following are contestants for Miss Wells County Teen.
Kailie Beck is the daughter of Shari Beck.
Kailie’s hobbies include cheerleading, babysitting, working at Maurices, hanging out with friends and making TikToks. In the future, she plans on enlisting in a branch of the military. She will then go to college to become a nurse specializing in special needs children and adults. Kailie is a cheerleader at Stealth Athletix Competitive Cheerleading and has won 2nd at the Worlds competition. She is also involved in Campus Life, participated in 4-H for seven years and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Kailie is sponsored by Airplane Express.
Samantha Evans is the daughter of Andy and Angie Evans.
Samantha loves to work with her goats and spending time outdoors with her family and friends. In the future, she plans to go to college to pursue a degree in the medical field. Samantha is part of the 4-H Lancaster Achievers. In 4-H, she’s also involved in Junior Leaders as the Secretary, and as a Mini 4-H volunteer. She also volunteers with Helping Hands and Hope Missionary Church Nursery and youth group. In school, she is involved in Student Council, Volleyball manager, tennis, FFA and Campus Life. Samantha is sponsored by Captain Farms.
Makenzie Fuess is the daughter of Rob and Joye Fuess.
Makenzie’s hobbies include playing sports, spending time at the lakes, traveling, crafting, sewing, showing goats and spending time with family and friends. Her future plans include attending college to become a physician’s assistant and play basketball at the collegiate level. Makenzie is an active member of the Waynedale Church of Christ Youth Group. She is also a member of 4-H as a Junior Leader and participates in many projects including goats, poultry, arts and crafts, foods, gardening and more. She is the secretary of the Lancaster Achievers 4-H Club, has been a 4-H Junior Ambassador, and won the Caley Memorial Award. She is involved in many sports including soccer, basketball and track. In these sports, she’s won many awards, including Academic All-State, Basketball All-Conference 1st Team and All-State Honorable Mention in basketball and track. She volunteers at Hope’s Harbor and in local nursing homes. In school, she is a member of Campus Life, Riley Dance Marathon Committee and honor roll. Makenzie is sponsored by Felger Hart, Inc.
Sy’Annha Jordan-Turner is the daughter of Jeff and Kaylee Patterson.
Sy’Annha enjoys playing softball, hanging out with her little siblings, filming TikToks and playing with her animals. In the future, she would like to attend college to work for the Department of Child Services. Sy’Annha is a volunteer at the First Church of Christ in the Children’s Ministry. She also volunteers at Forgotten Children World Wide packing clothing for kids around the world. For two years, she has played softball on a local team here in Bluffton. Sy’Annha is sponsored by Stauffer Farms.
Reghan Plunkett is the daughter of Shawn and Chasity Plunkett.
Reghan enjoys reading, tumbling, fishing, shopping, listening to music, going to the races, riding ATVs and watching All-Star Cheerleading competitions. She is planning to attend college to major in exercise science with a minor in kineseology before attending physical therapy school. Reghan is a varsity cheerleader for Norwell High School football and basketball and a Norwell competition cheerleader. She is also involved in varsity track and field, she serves as the vice president of event operations for the Riley Dance Marathon, and is a member of student council. Reghan is sponsored by Roembke Manufacturing and Design, Inc.
Cruz Rinkenberger is the daughter of Joel and Stephanie Rinkenberger.
Cruz enjoys babysitting, dancing, exploring outdoors, writing and being with animals and children. She plans to attend college after graduating high school or travel the world. One day, she hopes to become a children’s social worker or elementary school teacher. Cruz is the Color Guard Captain and lettered for the Bluffton Bengal Brigade and a dancer at the Creative Arts Council. She is also involved in Campus Life, Teen Advisory Board at the Wells County Public Library and participates in her church’s activities for young groups and students. Cruz is sponsored by the Creative Arts Council.
Kierstynn Reed is the daughter of Jeremy and Danielle Reed.
Kierstynn likes spending time with friends and family and practicing for her sports. She also enjoys completing Bible plans on the Bible app. She would love to attend Indiana University for their interior design program. Her dream is to play softball at Indiana University as well. Kierstynn is involved in three sports at Bluffton High School, including cross country, swim and softball. She is a member of Hope Missionary Church and participates in the Converge Youth Group there. Kierstynn is sponsored by J & R Products, Inc.
Sydney Soars is the daughter of Sarah and Rich McInyre and James Soares.
Sydney enjoys babysitting, hanging out with her friends, assisting in the children’s ministry at her church and going on mission trips and church camps. She plans to go to college and obtain a degree in elementary education. She would love to teach 3rd grade in the future. Sydney is a member of the Riley Dance Marathon Committee and Campus Life at Norwell High School. She is also involved in church youth group at both Hope Missionary Church and First Church of Christ. In 4-H, her projects include cake decorating, foods, and child development. Sydney is sponsored by The Auto Doctor of Bluffton.
