The Miss Wells County pageant will take place at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 18, 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 Grace Captain and Karlie Brown, respectively.
The following women are competing in the Miss Wells County pageant.
Mackinzie Toliver, of Bluffton, is the daughter of William and Lisa Toliver.
Makinzie is incredibly involved in sports — participating in volleyball, basketball, softball and tennis — and received awards for Academic All-State and First Team All-Conference, in addition to the Golden Knight Award. Outside of athletics, she participated in the National Honor Society, Norwell business department advisory board, Beyond the Game leadership program and Champions Together. In 4-H, she won many awards in the Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Club and at the Indiana State Fair. Her hobbies include riding horses, playing sports and spending time with family and friends. She plans are to attend Anderson University and major in business.
Emma Kay Cupp, of Bluffton, is the daughter of Jason and Amy Cupp.
Emma is currently attending Taylor University, where she is majoring in elementary education with a minor in dance. During her high school career, she was involved in Norwell High School cheer, the competitive dance team, the National Honor Society, student council and Campus Life. In the summer, she works as a choreographer at the Creative Arts Council in Bluffton. Emma also substitute teaches for Northern Wells Community Schools and Eastbrook Community Schools Corporation. She attends Hope Missionary Church, where she taught Sunday school and served as a camp counselor. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, dancing, hiking and paddle boarding. Upon graduation, she plans to work as a teacher in the area and continue as a choreographer at the Creative Arts Council.
Alyssa Toland, of Warren, is the daughter of Mike and Erin Toland.
Alyssa was crowned Miss Wells County Teen in 2018 and graduated from Southern Wells High School in 2021. She currently works at Hunts Appliance Service and attends Southern Wells Community Church. Alyssa was a 10-year 4-H member, and previously helped in the children’s ministry and worship team at Sonlight. Last summer, she spent most of her time at the Boys and Girls Club in Berne as a volunteer. Her hobbies include spending time outdoors with her family, taking yoga classes, modeling and going on adventures. She also hopes to travel the world and see new cultures one day.
Olivia Carolyne Durham, of Marion, is the daughter of Mark and Juliann Durham.
Olivia was involved in many extracurriculars during her high school career, including basketball, volleyball and Southern Wells FFA. She has won multiple awards in her involvements, many in her FFA chapter where she received 1st place at district contests and 4th place at the state contest. She was also awarded Ag Department Star Student, the Presidential Award and Student Council award. Olivia was involved with the National Honor Society, Sunshine Society and Lunch Buddy Club. She loves helping youth get outside, serving her community and volunteering at Southern Wells Schools. In the fall, she will attend Purdue University to major in agriculture education or elementary education. Upon graduation, she plans to come back to the community and teach.
Mary McBride, of Bluffton, is the daughter of Mike and Brett McBride.
Mary attends Hope Missionary Church, where she is involved in student leadership and is a Sunday school teacher. During her time in school, she was involved with Norwell Color Guard, Winter Guard and Marching Knights student leadership. Mary is passionate about service and has gone on mission trips to Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Honduras and Jamaica. In her free time, she loves to spend time with friends and family and have impromptu dance parties. In the fall, Mary will attend Ball State University to major in nursing and minor in Spanish. She hopes to work in a metropolitan hospital with the long term of using nursing in mission work.
Sarah Grace Bueter, of Bluffton, is the daughter of Jim and Kiersten Bueter.
Sarah is involved in the Bluffton High School marching band color guard, the National Honor Society and student council. She also helps as the girls’ swim team manager and intense special needs classroom student helper. Sarah is also an employee at Habegger’s Ace in the design department and has been involved in the Creative Arts Council for 12 years. In her free time, she likes traveling, staying busy and spending time with friends and family. After finishing high school, Sarah plans to attend college to study business and continue her career in interior design.
Samantha Evans, of Ossian, is the daughter of Andy and Angie Evans.
Samantha is a Junior Ambassador and a member of the 4-H Lancaster Achievers and Junior Leaders. She attends Hope Missionary Church and volunteers with Helping Hands. In school, she is involved with Campus Life, student council and tennis and works as a volleyball manager. She is also a Gabe Norris Memorial Scholarship recipient. Samantha likes to work with her goats and spend time outdoors at the lake. She plans to pursue a degree in the medical field as a nurse or midwife.
Sy’Annha Jordan-Turner, of Bluffton, is the daughter of Jeff and Kaylee Patterson.
Sy’Annha is involved in many sports, including softball, volleyball and basketball. She volunteers at the First Church of Christ and enjoys playing with her brother and dancing. Sy’Annha plans to attend college to become a teacher or lawyer.
Kailie Beck, of Ossian, is the daughter of Shari Beck.
Kailie is a Wells County 4-H member and is involved in Stealth Athletix Competitive Cheer. She loves cheering, tumbling and camping with her family. In the future, she wants to join a branch of the military and work in the medical field.
Macy Morgan Richmond, of Ossian, is the daughter of Alex and Sondra Richmond.
Macy is involved in Norwell High School Cheer and has received the Pin It Forward pin at UCA Cheer Camp in 2022. Her favorite past times are riding her bike, swimming, cheering, fishing and hanging with her mom in the salon. She plans to graduate high school with a cosmetology license and attend college in Kentucky. She hopes to cheer throughout her high school and college years.
