Wanda English Burnett, Editor

The most contestants ever - 32 - will vie for the coveted title of Miss Ripley County as the pageant celebrates its golden anniversary this year.

There was a buzz of excitement as the girls gathered Friday evening, June 6, for the traditional Queen’s Tea/Slumber Party event at the Versailles Baptist Church. “This is the most contestants we’ve ever had,” noted Erin Menchhofer, chair of the event, who was equally excited with the turnout. She has worked, along with others, several years to pull together the anniversary event that promises to unite past queens with the contestants this year and eventually the queen and her court.

The pageant will take place July 11 at the Batesville High School, with most of the past queens promising to be in attendance. The first queen, named in 1958, was Letitia (Tish) Gookins Burill. “Oh, yes, I plan on being at the pageant,” she told the Osgood Journal. She will be crowning the 2008 Miss Ripley County, commemorating the special anniversary of the pageant.

Over the years, the pageant has seen many changes, from the way it is conducted to the place it is held. According to Menchhofer, various groups and organizations have sponsored the queen pageant including the Tri Kappa, lions clubs, extension homemakers and the Ripley County Pork Producers. Now it is a community effort, sponsored by area businesses. There is only the evening wear and business attire required for contestants with the swimsuit competition eliminated. Some of the judging has changed over the years and one of the biggest changes is date and location of the pageant itself. It is now held before the Ripley County 4-H Fair begins and has been held in various places, not the fairground.

To get a seat this year, you need to order tickets now, according to Menchhofer. “We have limited seating and that will go quickly,” she noted. Tickets can be purchased from any of the contestants or the Batesville FFA, who is sponsoring the event this year.

This year’s contestants know it’s a special year and each hope to be able to make history when the final decisions are made. Following are the contestants and a short bio on each one for 2008:

• Brittany Bauman of Sunman is the daughter of Rick and Marcia Bauman. She is a graduate of East Central High School and plans to attend Indiana University to pursue a degree in business. Her activities include: 4-H, National Honor Society, Social Studies Club, Senior Scholarship Committee, Student Council, and Pep Club. Her sponsor is Sharper Image Salon, LLC.

• Erin Butt of Batesville, is the daughter of Dave Butt and Rita Suding. She is a graduate of Batesville High School and will be pursuing a career in nursing at Ball State University. Her activities include: coordinating school health program and serving on the prom committee. Her sponsor is Cricket Ridge Country Club.

• Ashley Carpenter of Osgood, is the daughter of Bob and Lorri Carpenter. She is attending Ivy Tech to become a physical therapist. Her high school activities included Art Club, German Club, Sunshine Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, FFA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Soccer. She is sponsored by Woodworking by Ben and Pink Designs.

• Tori Clayton of Dillsboro, is the daughter of Jeff and Terri Clayton. She is a recent graduate of South Ripley High School and plans to attend Ball State University to study Musical Theatre. Her activities include: FFA, Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Spanish Club, Varsity Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Math Club, Young Confederates and ABY.

• Jordan Clements, of Holton, is the daughter of Bill and Christine Clements. She is a student at South Ripley High School where her activities include: Varsity, Spanish, Art, and Math clubs, Sunshine Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Class Officer, cheerleading, and track. Her sponsor is Midwest Metering.

• Randi Delap, of Milan, is the daughter of Steve and Donna Delap. She attends Milan High School. Her activities include: 4-H, National Honor Society, marching/concert band, St. Charles Catholic Church youth group, track, class club, and prom committee. Her sponsor is C&M/M Excavating, Inc.

• Heather Ellison of Milan, is the daughter of Mike Ellison and Linda Ellison. She is a recent graduate of Milan High School and plans to study veterinary technology. Her activities include: HOSA, FFA, 4-H, Horse & Pony Club. Her sponsor is A Touch of Country Floral & Crafts.

• Jacqueline Farr of Sunman, is the daughter of Joe and Ruth Farr. She is a recent graduate of East Central High School. She plans to study culinary arts and business management at Cincinnati State. Her activities include: Supporting Other Students, band, fall and winter guard. Her sponsor is Joe and Ruth Farr and J.R. Drywall.

• Lindsey Gunter of Batesville, is the daughter of Eugene and Elene Gunter. She attends Batesville High School where she is involved in FFA, 4-H, Red Cross, FCLA, and German Club. Her sponsor is Ertel Cellars.

• Olivia Gunter of Osgood, is the daughter of Jerry and Nora Gunter. She attend Jac-Cen-Del High School and is involved in 4-H, Art Club, German Club, Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Flag Corps, Academic Team, FFA, National Honor Society, Altar Guild member at church. Her sponsor is Schneider’s Scrap Metal.

• Kendra Hartman of Sunman is the daughter of Marvin and Sue Hartman. She is a graduate of Milan High School and plans to attend IUPUI this fall. Her activities include: 4-H, Jr. Leaders, National Honor Society, Art Club, Senior Mentor, St. Nicholas Catholic Church member. Her sponsors are: Hair Unlimited, Sierra Sun Tanning Salon, and Crum Trucking.

• Christa Hauser of Osgood, is the daughter of Connie and the late Bob Hauser. She attends Jac-Cen-Del High School. Her activities include: 4-H, FFA, Sunshine Society, and Prom Committee. Her sponsor is Hair Decisions.

• Kaitlin Hughes of Osgood, is the daughter of Tom and Donna Hughes. She is a sophomore at Manchester College studying Music Education and Vocal Performance with a minor in religion. Her college activities include: A Capella Choir, Symphonic Bank, Students Following Christ, cheerleading, Intercollegiate Campus Ministries, Founder of 2008 Praise Jam Club; (high school activities) National Honor Society, Sunshine Society and Student Council. Her sponsor is Comer Buildings.

• Brittany Joseph of Holton, is the daughter of William and Shanna Joseph. She is a recent graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School and will be attending Ball State University to study Early Childhood Education or Journalism. Her activities include: Sunshine Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, German Club, Choir, Spanish Club, FFA, Flag Corps, and Girl Scouts. Her sponsor is Dalmatian Fire Inc.

• Shaina Keck of Versailles is the daughter of Jerry and Katrina Keck. She is attending Ball State University majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. Her high school activities included: class secretary, Math Club, Spanish Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions, National Honor Society, Sunshine Society, and Soccer. Her sponsor is Sew Right Embroidery.

• Brittney Klann of Batesville is the daughter of Kevin and Pamela Krekeler. She attends Batesville High School where her activities include Dance Team, FFA and cheerleading. Her sponsor is Buchanan Hauling & Rigging.

• Kristin Konradi of Batesville is the daughter of Vernon and Jill Konradi. She attends Jac-Cen-Del High School and her activities include: 4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, Sunshine Society, and Spanish Club. Her sponsor is Konradi Insurance.

• Hannah Laker of Batesville is the daughter of Mary Laker. She is a recent graduate of Batesville High School and plans to attend Ivy Tech and IUPUI to study Radiology. She was involved in the National Art Honor Society. Her sponsor is Daffodilly’s.

• Stacy Luers of Batesville is the daughter of Randy and Debbie Luers. She is a graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School and plans to attend Ivy Tech to study nursing. She attends Mud Pike Baptist Church, is a member of the National Honor Society and Sunshine Society. Her sponsor is Locust Grove Tack & Feed.

• Jessi Meyer of Batesville is the daughter of Todd and Crystal Meyer. She attends Batesville High School. Her activities include Indiana National Guard Youth Council and cheerleading. Her sponsors are Gillman’s Do It Best and Family & Friends.

• Mary Mortara of Dillsboro, is the daughter of Russell and Elaine Mortara. She attends Milan High School. Her activities include Class Club, Student Council, class secretary, Fore Kids, and Senior Mentor. Her sponsor is K&K Mini Mart.

• Ava Pedro of Batesville is the daughter of Ron and Olivia Pedro. She is a graduate of Batesville High School and will be attending Northwestern State University to major in Art and minor in Aviation. Her activities include: Girls of Grace and many other church organizations, RAA, FFA, Ski Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Spanish Club, National Art Honor Society, Batesville Singers and tennis. Her sponsor is Guys & Gals Quarters.

• Amanda Rangel of Osgood is the daughter of James and Chandra Fuqua. She attends Jac-Cen-Del High School. Her activities include Sunshine Society, soccer, cheerleading, cross country and track. She is sponsored by Mr. & Missy B’s Salon.

• Tasha Roysden of Milan, is the daughter of Yatzie and Sue Roysden. She attends Milan High School where she is involved in softball, Show Choir, Class Club, wrestling and football manager and yearbook. Her sponsors are Whitewater Motor Co. and Hummel-Winters Agency.

• Jessica Ruble of Milan, is the daughter of Tony Ruble and Patty Ruble. She is pursing a degree from IUPUI. Her high school activities included: Student Council, class officer, Students Against Destructive Decisions, yearbook committee, newspaper committee, band, basketball manager, softball, cheerleading, prom committee and senior club. Her sponsor is T.R.’s and Son Lawn Care.

• Lauren Siefert of Batesville is the daughter of Melvin and Amy Siefert. She attends Batesville High School. Her activities include: tennis, cheerleading, Student Council, Choices, Young Life, and Wyldlife Leader. Her sponsor is Countryside Realty.

• Natashia Tunny of Milan, is the daughter of Michael Tunny and Lisa Emery. She attends Milan High School and is involved in Students Against Destructive Decisions, Sunshine Society, Show Choir, track, soccer, flag corps, softball, cheerleading. Her sponsors are Jackie Lee Karaoke and Lisa Emery.

• Jordan Vinup of Versailles, is the daughter of Willie and Susie Vinup. She attends South Ripley High School. Her activities include: 4-H, FFA, National Barrel Horse Association, International Barrel Racing Association, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Spanish Club, Math Club, Varsity Club, Varsity Basketball, Varsity Track and Field. Her sponsor is Odyssey Full Service Salon, Inc.

• Kristin Wallpe of Batesville is the daughter of Dan and Mary Wallpe. She is a graduate of Batesville High School and will be attending IUPUI this fall. Her activities included: FCCLA, and St. Louis Church member. Her sponsor is RBSK Partners PC.

• Nicole Walterman of Sunman, is the daughter of Dennis and Ruth Walterman. She attends East Central High School. Her activities include: FCCLA, SOS, Prom Committee, yearbook, Chamber Choir, St. John’s Youth Group, 4-H. Her sponsor is American Family Insurance.

• Samantha White of Osgood, is the daughter of Dennis and Christie White. She attends Jac-Cen-Del High School. Her activities include 4-H, FFA, Sunshine Society, Spanish Club. Her sponsors are: Laughery Valley Veterinary Hospital, Ripley County Humane Society, and DiGiovanni’s Café.

• Andrea Woolum of Versailles, is the daughter of Steve and Mary Ellen Woolum. She is a graduate of South Ripley High School and will attend Purdue University to study Agricultural Economics. Her activities include Spanish Club, Social Studies Club, 4-H, Horse & Pony Club, National Honor Society, American Quarter Horse Youth Association, Students Advocating Education, and Raider Reps. Her sponsor is Holland Insurance Agency.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO Standing around 2007 Miss Ripley County Elizabeth Record (seated) are: front row from left: Nicole Walterman, Kristin Konradi, Stacy Luers, Jordan Clements, Brittany Bauman, Kaitlin Hughes, and Brittany Joseph; second row from left: Christa Hauser, Tasha Roysden, Natashia Tunny, Jacqueline Farr, Kristin Wallpe, Andrea Woolum, Samantha White and Amanda Rangel; third row from left: Hannah Laker, Kendra Hartman, Olivia Gunter, Erin Butt, Heather Ellison, Randi Delap, Jessica Ruble, and Jessi Meyer; fourth row from left: Shaina Keck, Lindsey Gunter, Jordan Vinup, Mary Mortara, Ava Pedro, Lauren Siefert, and Brittney Klann. Ashley Carpenter and Tori Clayton are not pictured.