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The Manchester School Board has hired an interim superintendent. - Page 4
July 21, 2021
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Vol. 44, No. 19
Elise Gottschalk (left photo) waves after being crowned the 2021 Wabash County 4-H Fair Queen. Avery Shrider (bottom photo, at left) pulls a word she had to define from a bucket held by 2020 4-H Queen Alyssa McKillip.
Elise gets the crown Gottschalk named 4-H Fair Queen By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com Elise Gottschalk became the 60th Wabash County 4H Fair Queen on Wednesday night. She was selected from a field of 17 contestants during a ceremony at the Honeywell Center’s Ford Theater. Members of the queen’s court are First Runner-up Haylie Miller; Second Runner-up Olivia Dale; Third Runner-up Kearston Stout and Miss Congeniality
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Braylen Fleck. “It was very unexpected,” Gottschalk told The Paper of Wabash County about winning the crown. “I tried my best today. But, it wasn’t something I was really expecting, so I was really excited to get the opportunity.” She said she had always wanted to participate in the queen pageant since first joining 4-H. “The crown got me when I was younger,” she said. And seeing the young children during this week’s fair is something she is looking forward to.
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Elise Gottschalk (top phto, in center) with her court (from left) Kearston Stout, Olivia Dale, Haylie Miller and Braylen Fleck. Two candidates hold pinkies in anticipation of the naming of the new queen. Photos by Joseph Slacian
“I’m really excited to be that role model,” she said. Gottschalk received her crown from outgoing 2020 4H Fair Queen Alyssa McKillip. McKillip gave an emotional farewell address during the contest, thanking the members of her court and others who helped her throughout the year. She also said she has gotten to know the 17 contestants during their time in the contest. “It is sad, really, that only one can wear the crown,” she said. “But whomever walks away with the diamonds tonight is sure headed for the journey of a lifetime.” She reflected on almost having the crown fall off her head moments after receiving it last year. McKillip assured this year’s winner that she had enough bobby pins with her to keep the crown in place. “4-H became my passion for so many reasons,” she continued. “Throughout my reign, I sat through every livestock show at the fair. I handed out ribbons, congratulated exhibitors, captured hundreds of pictures with little kids and families, talked to members of the community and even explained Haylie Miller the difContinued on Page 14
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