Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Eleven girls from across the county gathered at the Versailles Baptist Church Fellowship Hall for the Miss Ripley County Queen’s Tea held Friday, June 26.

The ladies were treated to desserts, met other contestants, and were given instructions on the upcoming Miss Ripley County Pageant set for July 12 at the Damm Theatre in Osgood, where the winners will be chosen. Then they will preside over the Ripley County 4-H Fair set for July 19-25.

The candidates for 2009 are:
Brittany Bauman of Sunman is the daughter of Rick and Marcia Bauman. She attends Indiana University majoring in psychology. Her activities include Campus Crusade for Christ and 4-H. In high school she was involved in student council, yearbook committee, senior scholarship, and National Honor Society. Her sponsor is Sharper Image Salon.

Kristen Duerstock of Batesville is the daughter of Kevin and Catherine Duerstock. She graduated from Jac-Cen-Del High School and will be attending the University of Indianapolis to pursue a degree in nursing. Her activities include National Honor Society, student council, Sunshine Society, German and Art Club, and she was a Hoosier Girls State delegate. She was a Special Education Teacher’s aide for K-3. Her sponsor is Jackson Street Kids Academy Daycare and Preschool.

Olivia Gunter of Osgood is the daughter of Jerry and Nora Gunter. She is a graduate of Jac-Cen-Del and plans to attend Purdue University to major in engineering. Her activities include ten years of 4-H, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Art Club, choir, student council, German Club, Drama Club, National Honor Society, Supermileage, Altar Guild, fellowship committee, church choir, 4-H Youth Advisory Board, and 4-H Junior Leaders. Her sponsor is Ben’s Woodworking.

Julie Hoffrogge of Dillsboro is the daughter of Donald and Diane Hoffrogge. This fall she plans to attend college to become an X-ray technician. Her activities include 4-H, church and school choir, National Honor Society, and student council. Her sponsor is D&D Manufacturing Inc.

Daryl Jane (DJ) Hosmer of Sunman is the daughter of Tracy and Randy Bauman. She graduated from East Central High School and plans to attend International Business College to pursue a career as a dental assistant. Her activities include senior scholarship committee, concert band, pep band, winter and color guard. Her sponsor is Buck’s Evcavating.

Brittany Joseph of Holton is the daughter of William and Shanna Joseph. She is a 2008 graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School and will be attending the Dental Careers Foundation to become a dental assistant. Her activities while in high school included Sunshine Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, golf, chorus, Future Farmers of America, German Club, flag team, teacher’s aide, Spanish Club, library aide, Girl Scouts and is currently helping with Ripley County Angels of Giving. Her sponsor is Flintstone Hauling.

Jessica Ann Osborne of Holton is the daughter of David and Karen Osborne. She is a student at South Ripley High School. Her activities include 4-H for nine years, church youth group, and National Junior Honor Society. Her sponsor is Odyssey Salon, Inc.

Kathryn Sidell of Batesville is the daughter of Larry and Tammy Sidell. She is a sophomore at Saint Mary of the Woods College pursuing a career as an equine veterinarian. Her activities include St. Mary of the Woods Equestrian Team, Indiana Trail Riders Association, Indiana Horse Council, and is a ten year 4-H member. Her sponsor is Vestal Auction Service.

Tanaha Marie Simon of Osgood is the daughter of Michael and Janice Simon. This fall she plans to attend Connecticut College where she will prepare for law school by majoring in English. Her activities include 4-H, Sunshine Society, Spanish Club, Catholic Youth Organization, National Honor Society, dance team, volleyball team, cheerleading squad, yearbook staff, varsity track team, Spell Bowl team, English Academic team, Drama Club, and prom committee. Her sponsors are Wagner Truss Manufacturing Inc. and Simon Excavating and Trucking.

Brittany Williams of Holton is the daughter of Gary and Judy Williams. She will be a senior at Jac-Cen-Del High School this fall. She wants to pursue a career as a veterinary technician and will be working at the County Line Vet as an assistant. Her activities include Sunshine Society, German Club, Art Club, prom committee, band, pep band, golf and basketball. Her sponsor is Williams Remodeling Inc.

Victoria Wolums of Milan is the daughter of Ann and Todd Wolums. She attends Milan High School. Her activities include National Honor Society, student council, class officer, German Club, varsity track, cross country, soccer, Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, 4-H camp counselor, and a nine year member of 4-H. Her sponsors are Twisted G Farms and Garner Welding.

This year marks the 51st year for the pageant. Co-chairs of the event are Mary Beth Hackman and Becky Harmeyer.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO Eleven queen hopefuls gather with last year's Miss Ripley County, Jordan Clements, for Queen's Tea. Pictured front row are: Julie Hoffrogge, Clements, Brittany Joseph; second row: Brittany Bauman, DJ Hosmer, Kristen Duerstock, Victoria Wolums; back row: Tanaha Simon, Kathryn Sidell, Olivia Gunter, Jessica Osborne, and Brittany Williams.