Cass County queen contestants ready for 2024 competition
Nine young women are set to compete for the Miss Cass County crown Saturday when the 2024 Cass County 4-H fair begins.
The Miss Cass County pageant is slated to begin at 7 p.m. inside the exhibition building at the Cass County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2281 E. County Road 125 North.
Finley Hettinger, a 2023 Logansport High School graduate, is the reigning Cass County queen.
This year’s participants are:
Savannah Bowser
Savannah Bowser
Savannah Bowser is the daughter of Mandy and Aaron Harris and Chris & Tammy Bowser of Galveston. She is a 2023 graduate of Lewis Cass and is now attending Ivy Tech to study biology. While in high school, she was a part of the golf team, track and field, a cheerleader and wrestling manager. She was a member of the show choir, Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Key Club and Champions Together. She attends Abundant Life Church and is blessed to work for the Pet Care Clinic in Kokomo.
If chosen as Miss Cass County: “I would do my best to be a positive influence on my peers by being my true authentic self! I would greet everyone that I pass with a smile and help spread positivity not just during fair week. I want to shine the light that God has given me and use it for good in my community!”
Chloe Early
Chloe Early
Chloe Early is the daughter of Greg and Abby Early of Twelve Mile. She is a 2023 graduate of Caston High School and just finished her first year at Manchester University where she is double majoring in Exercise Science & Psychology while minoring in sports communication. She was an eight-year 4-H member and participated in several projects including showing sheep for two years. While at Manchester, she has become a member of the Fellowship of Christian Students and is an employee in the Admissions office as a Spartan Ambassador giving tours to incoming and aspiring students.
If chosen as Miss Cass County: “I would show young women how wonderful it is to be a part of our community. I would show them how to be strong, confident and poised but also showing them its ok to have a bad day. I want to be a light to anyone who needs a helping hand in any situation!”
Bailey Mills
Bailey Mills.
Bailey Mills is the daughter of Cameron and Cara Mills of Walton. She recently graduated from Beacon Christian Academy and is attending Ivy Tech before transferring to IUK to get a Business Management degree. She is a member of the Tipton Happy Harvesters 4-H Club and this year will complete her 10th year of 4-H. She has been involved in several projects including swine, sewing and fashion revue, creative writing, Lego and this year also did cat showing, showmanship and costume. She has been a part of junior leaders for six years and is a member of Christ’s Church.
If chosen as Miss Cass County: “I would exemplify being a good citizen and serve others in a selfless manner. I would communicate, befriend people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds while encouraging self-improvement and growth.”
Kyah Preston
Kyah Preston
Kyah Preston is the daughter of Ryan and Jennifer Preston of Walton. She is a 2023 graduate of Lewis Cass and is about to enter her sophomore year at IUK where she plans to get a bachelor’s degree in exercise science before attending IUPUI and earning her doctorate degree in physical therapy with a focus in pediatrics. While in high school, she was very involved as a cheerleader, cross country runner, swimmer, track and field runner, as well as a part of Champions Together, SADD, Spanish Club, FCA, Kings for Christ and held several leadership positions including class president for three years. She is a part of her church worship team and very involved with her youth group.
If chosen as Miss Cass County: “I would educate my peers about our amazing 4-H Fair. I would share with others why my community is so special because I have so many wonderful memories I will cherish forever. I would use my heart for Jesus to show others love through a smile or a compliment and be a dependable driven leader!”
Kathryn Rodkey
Kathryn Rodkey
Kathryn Rodkey is the daughter of Bob and Lori Rodkey of Walton. She is a 2024 graduate of Maconaquah High School and will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall to study Aeronautical Science. While in high school, she was involved in FCA, National Honor Society, diving and golf. She is an active member at her church in Bunker Hill and is working toward her private pilot’s license. She is a proud 10-year 4-H member and has participated in art, photography, floriculture, consumer clothing, cake decorating, rabbits, swine, cattle and tried sheep for the first time this year!
If chosen as Miss Cass County: “I would show kindness, respect, compassion, generosity, patience, as well as many other beneficial actions. It is important to me to be a positive influence to others around me.”
Jenna Roeske
Jenna Roeske.
Jenna Roeske is the daughter of Mark and Karla Roeske of Walton. She is a 2023 graduate of Lewis Cass High School and recently graduated from Ivy Tech Indianapolis with a technical certificate in baking and pastry arts. This fall, she will attend Ivy Tech Kokomo in hopes of getting a degree in business. While in high school, Jenna was involved in cross-country, swimming, track and field, and band. She was a 10-year 4-H member where she exhibited sheep, sewing/fashion review, foods/food preservation and genealogy.
If chosen as Miss Cass County: “I would prioritize being a supportive and inclusive leader for her peers. She would encourage open communication and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued.”
Brianna Schmaltz
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Brianna Schmaltz is the daughter of Jeremy and Tabitha Schmaltz of Royal Center. She is a 2021 graduate of Pioneer High School and this fall will be a Junior at Purdue University studying Animal Science. While at Purdue she was a part of the Purdue Grand Prix and A Cause for Paws. She has spent several volunteer hours at Second Chance Dog Shelter working on simple skills with each animal in hopes of heightening their adoption chances. When at home she enjoys volunteering in her community and recently started the Miss Oktoberfest pageant in Royal Center in hopes of growing the pageant world in Cass County.
If chosen as Miss Cass County: “I would be a positive influence on my peers by showing that it is ok to be imperfect. We all have differences and flaws and it is important to showcase them as it makes us all unique.”
Emilie Schmaltz
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Emilie Schmaltz is the daughter of Jake and Kellie Schmaltz of Royal Center. She is a 2023 graduate of Pioneer High School and this Fall will attend Indiana University Kokomo to study psychology. While at Pioneer, she was a member of chamber choir, show choir and competed in a small ensemble and musical her senior year. She was also in National Honor Society, golf, softball and a manager of the swim team. When she has some free time, she enjoys volunteering as an assistant coach for her sister’s Special Olympic softball team.
If chosen as Miss Cass County: “I would be a positive influence on my peers by displaying that goals can be accomplished through hard work, dedication and that being kind and generous, as Miss Cass County should demonstrate, can truly make a difference.”
Maggie Taylor
Maggie Taylor
Maggie Taylor is the daughter of Jeff and Rachel Taylor of Walton. She is a recent graduate of Lewis Cass High School and this fall will attend Purdue University to study agricultural communication. While in high school, Maggie was involved in tennis, National Honor Society, Champions Together and SADD. She is a 10-year 4-H member where she has exhibited beef, swine, cake decorating, foods and other miscellaneous projects. She is a proud premiere showman champion, was a member of the Indiana junior swine circuit junior board and National Junior Swine Association. She is a 6-year Future Farmers of America member where she has held the president, secretary and treasurer positions. Maggie also is a member of Abundant Life Church where she volunteers in Kids Kingdom and youth group revival.
If chosen as Miss Cass County: “It would be an absolute honor to represent the county and community that has played such a vital role in raising me into who I am. I would be a role model for all younger kids and show kindness to everyone around me even if it’s just with a simple smile.”
