Fair Queen
and Little Miss Pageant


Meet the candidates for
this year's pageant!

Fair Queen

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Little Miss

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Queen Sponsors

Queen Candidates

Anna Bulman

Anna Bulman 

Anna Bulman

Sponsored by Better Homes with Brad Horn and The Clothes Line Boutique. 

Anna is an 18-year-old Senior at Waterloo High School and will graduate in May 2026. She is proudly sponsored by Better Homes with Brad Horn and The Clothes Line Boutique.

This fall, Anna plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she will pursue a degree in nursing with the goal of specializing in pediatric nursing. Anna is employed as a lead staff member for the Waterloo School District’s afterschool daycare program, Kennel Klub. She also serves as a nursery supervisor at St. Paul UCC in Waterloo and operates her own successful babysitting business.

Anna participates in Girl Scouts, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FFA, the Waterloo Speech and Debate Team, Renaissance Club, and the varsity golf team. Within these organizations, she has served as a youth representative on her church’s consistory board, Vice President of the W.J. Zahnow NHS chapter, and Huddle Leader for FCA. She has also mentored younger Girl Scout troops, helping guide them toward achieving their own awards.

Anna’s hobbies include painting watercolor cards, camping, exploring new hiking trails, reading, playing golf, and gardening. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family and giving back through health essentials drives, canned food drives, and creating birthday and Christmas bags for those in need.

Anna is graduating in the top 15% of her class and is a proud member of the National Honor Society. Through Girl Scouts, she earned the prestigious Gold Award by planning and overseeing programming for over 100 girls and adult volunteers at the Service Unit Day Camp. In FFA, she was recognized as STAR Greenhand. In golf, she is an MVC All-Conference golfer and Athletic Honor Roll recipient. Through Renaissance, she received both the WHS Top Dog Award and Student of Character recognition.
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Ashton Matthews

Ashton Matthews 

Ashton Matthews

Sponsored by TGC Transportation Inc.

Ashton is a 17-year-old Junior at waterloo High School, where she is set to graduate in May 2027. She is proudly sponsored by TGC Transportation Inc.

After high school, Ashton plans to pursue a career as a Heavy Equipment Operator by applying to the Local 520 Operating Engineer’s Apprenticeship Program. Ashton currently babysits for multiple families in the Waterloo, Red Bud, and Valmeyer area, caring for children ranging from 6-months-old to 10-years-old.

Ashton serves as the Captain of the waterloo High School Engine Team and is an active member of the Waterloo FFA Chapter and the Waterloo High School Auto Club. Through FFA, she has competed on the Livestock Judging Team and the Conduct of Chapter Meetings Team, participated in Quiz Bowl, attended State and National FFA Conventions, and taken part in the Ground Zero Leadership Retreat. Ashton is also a member of the Clover Friends 4-H Club, where she shows goats and sheep at the Monroe County Fair.

She stays busy with a wide range of hobbies and interests. Ashton enjoys expressing her creativity through custom acrylic nail designs, experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes like desserts and sushi rolls, riding dirt bikes, working with livestock, and spending time deer hunting.

Her dedication has earned her both the FFA Greenhand Degree and the FFA Chapter Degree.

Ava Scherle

Ava Marie Scherle 

Ava Marie Scherle 

Sponsored by  Weedwacker’s Lawncare and CleanCar Express Car Wash.

Ava is an 18-year-old Senior at Waterloo High School, where she will graduate this May. She is proudly sponsored by Weedwacker’s Lawncare and CleanCar Express Car Wash.

Ava plans to study Agriculture in college, majoring in Animal Science. She is currently deciding between Oklahoma State University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her long-term goal is to become a large animal veterinarian. She is currently employed at CleanCar Express Car Wash.

In her free time, Ava enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending FFA meetings and competitions, and exploring the outdoors through camping and family adventures. Ava has been deeply involved in FFA for four years, serving as Sentinel for two years. She earned her Greenhand Degree in 2023, Chapter Degree in 2024, and State Degree in 2025. Over the past four years, she has competed on the Horse Judging, Agronomy, Soil Judging, and Livestock Judging teams. In addition, Ava has been a dedicated member of Girl Scouts for 13 years and is a Trifecta Girl Scout, having earned her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.

She is also active in National Honor Society, Student Council, Renaissance, Best Buddies, Spanish Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Orange Crush, Saturday Scholars, and her church youth group at St. Paul United Church of Christ.

Ava has been awarded the Outstanding Freshman Award in FFA, the Optimist International Award in 2025, and was named Student of Character for Perseverance in April 2026. Through her FFA record book, she won Section and District titles in 2024, 2025, and 2026, and proudly earned a State Championship in 2026 in Specialty Animal Production for her SAE mealworm business. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish National Honor Society). 

Hailey Francis

Hailey Francis

Hailey Francis

Sponsored by Lisa Meegan eXp Realty and Ella K’s Bridal. 

Hailey is a 19-year-old graduate of Waterloo High School, where she earned her diploma in May 2025. She is proudly sponsored by Lisa Meegan eXp Realty and Ella K’s Bridal.

Hailey is currently a sophomore at Southwestern Illinois College, where she is studying Agriculture Business. She plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to pursue a degree in Crop and Soil Environmental Management, with a focus in Crop Science and a minor in Plant Biology. Her long-term goal is to build a career in agricultural research, supporting farmers and contributing to the future of agriculture. In addition to her studies, Hailey is employed as an Agriculture in the Classroom Assistant with the Monroe County Farm Bureau and also works at RMC Cinemas.

Hailey is a dedicated member of the Monroe County Lucky 4-H Club, where she currently serves as Treasurer and has previously held the roles of President, Vice President, and Secretary. She also participates in Monroe County Teens as Teachers, FFA, the FFA Horticulture Team (2023–2025), FFA Forestry Team (2023–2025), Science Olympiad (2023–2025), the Women’s Leadership Initiative Mentorship Program (2025), Renaissance, and the National Honor Society.

In her free time, Hailey enjoys reading, making flower arrangements, hiking, watching movies, traveling, exploring National Parks, going line dancing, and seeing where the road takes her on adventures in her Jeep. She also enjoys showing rabbits and cattle from the family farm and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Hailey has earned numerous honors, including Waterloo High School Class of 2025 Valedictorian, Illinois State Scholar, American FFA Degree, and State FFA Degree. She is also a recipient of the DeKalb FFA Award, Monroe County 4-H Top Teen Teacher (2023–2024), SWIC Outstanding Agricultural Student, and has achieved success in Science Olympiad competition with a 3rd place finish in Agriculture Science at the State level (2025), 5th place in 2024, and Regional Champion titles in Forestry in both 2023 and 2024. Additional recognition includes the Sophia & Elmer Oerter Scholar Award, the College Board National Rural & Small Town Recognition Program Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, and the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. 

Kenley Mueller

Kenley Mueller 

Kenley Mueller 

Sponsored by Gateway FS, Mueller Veterinary Services, and Traiteurville Stables. 

Kenley is a 17-year-old Junior at Waterloo High School, where she is set to graduate in May 2027. She is proudly sponsored by Gateway FS, Mueller Veterinary Services, and Traiteurville Stables.

Kenley plans to attend a university to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine, with a special interest in Special Education. She hopes to combine her passion for working with animals and her desire to help children into a meaningful future career that serves both fields. She currently gains hands-on experience working at Mueller Veterinary Services, where she assists with animal care and continues building her knowledge in a veterinary setting.

Kenley stays active through her involvement in Best Buddies, FFA, 4-H Hoofbeats, Teens As Teachers, Federation, the National Honor Society, and Renaissance. She also enjoys giving back through babysitting and pet sitting.

In her free time, Kenley enjoys horseback riding, playing basketball, gardening, traveling, coaching youth sports, learning about agriculture, crocheting and knitting, and fishing.

Kenley has been recognized with the Student of Character Award for Empathy and Leadership, two letters of commendation from Waterloo High School staff, placement in the National Honor Society, and consistent recognition on the High Honor Roll. 

Little Miss Candidates

Little Miss Candidates
  • Brynlee Faith Schaefer, sponsored by Stenzel Chiropractic and Shadycreek Nursery and Garden.

    Brynlee is the 8-year-old daughter of Mark and Elisabeth Schaefer of Hecker. She is proudly sponsored by Stenzel Chiropractic and Shadycreek Nursery and Garden.

    Brynlee will be a 3rd Grader at Roger’s Elementary School in the fall of 2026. She has two sisters: an older sister, Haven, and a baby sister, Millie. Brynlee also has two beloved dogs—a Bloodhound named Daisy Mae and a Golden Irish named Josie.

    Brynlee loves staying active and spending time outdoors. She plays softball with WSA in the summer and with Waterloo Thunder in the fall and spring. She also enjoys playing soccer with WSA in the fall and indoor soccer with the Lady Ringers during the winter and spring seasons. At home, Brynlee enjoys golfing with her dad, practicing tumbling tricks she has taught herself, and making bracelets with her older sister.

  • Dawsyn Huebner, sponsored by Unterseh-Schreder Insurance Agency, Gilbert Electric, and Chris & Kait Real Estate Team.

    Dawsyn is the 6-year-old daughter of Nick and Brittany Huebner of Fults. She is proudly sponsored by Unterseh-Schreder Insurance Agency, Gilbert Electric, and Chris & Kait Real Estate Team.

    Dawsyn will be a 1st Grader at Valmeyer Elementary School in the fall of 2026. She has three brothers: 2 older brothers, Drake and Owen, and a twin brother, Gavin. Dawsyn also has two pets: Case and Oakleigh.

    Dawsyn is an active and energetic young girl who enjoys competitive dance, cheering, and horseback riding. She is a proud competitive dancer at Studio B Dance Company and loves spending time outdoors, staying active, and trying new things. She especially enjoys cheering on her big brother, Drake, at his baseball games. As both a little sister and a twin, Dawsyn brings a joyful spirit, fun-loving energy, and a vibrant personality wherever she goes. Her favorite subject in school is P.E., and in her free time she enjoys drawing, arts and crafts, and spending time with her family, friends, and animals. Dawsyn loves making memories, supporting those around her, and strives to bring kindness, confidence, and positivity to everything she does.

  • Faye Scheibe, sponsored by FS InVision & FS HiSOY Seed, Makeup by SAS, and Monica Schmidt Reality.

    Faye is the 8-year-old daughter of Justin and Savahna Scheibe of Valmeyer. She is proudly sponsored by FS InVision & FS HiSOY Seed, Makeup by SAS, and Monica Schmidt Reality.

    Faye will be a 3rd Grader at Valmeyer Elementary School in the fall of 2026. She has an older brother, Esden. Faye also has a Black Lab named Fern, two pigs named Blizzard and Tornado, and Fred the fish.

    Faye loves to sing and is involved in the Waterloo Singers Company and all school plays and musicals that she can. She also enjoys listening to music, any type of craft project, swinging outside, playing with her dog and big brother, and being with her family. Faye is proud to be an active member of the Maeystown 4-H Cloverbuds and her church where she volunteers at various events throughout the year.

  • Jayde Rogers, sponsored by Millers on Main and Graphite Restaurant in Columbia. 

    Jayde is the 8-year-old daughter of Matt and Tawny Rogers of Columbia. She is proudly sponsored by Millers on Main and Graphite Restaurant in Columbia.

    Jayde will be a 3rd Grader at Parkview Elementary School in the fall of 2026. She is an only child and has no pets.

    Jayde enjoys gymnastics, swimming, putting together Legos, and scooting around on her scooter. She is a lover of Morgan Wallen, the Chicago Bears, and her drink of choice is always an iced matcha latte! She loves her family a ton and especially looks up to her role models: her Aunts Sam and Jessie Seidel, known alumni for Monroe County; and her mom of course! Jayde has been enrolled in gymnastics at Midwest Twisters since she was 16 months old. She is also very active at school, attending the Jr. Eagle cheer camp and staying very sociable with friends. She was chosen by the Illinois Principals Association for the 2025 school year as an outstanding student and school citizen for Columbia. Her generosity and kindness are seen by all! 

  • Katelyn Koch, sponsored by Turning Point Wellness Center.

    Katelyn is the 7-year-old daughter of Tom and Nicole Koch of Rural Maeystown. She is proudly sponsored by Turning Point Wellness Center.

    Katelyn will be a 2nd Grader at Valmeyer Elementary School in the fall of 2026. She has an older brother, Landon. Katelyn also has two cats, named Tootsie and Ranger, goats, and pigs.

    Katelyn loves playing with her brother and eight cousins at the family farm. She loves jumping on the trampoline, playing outside, and playing with her friends. She loves showing her pigs and helping her brother show his goats at the fair. Katelyn is a member of Maeystown Clovers Cloverbuds 4-H and Monroe County Cloverbuds 4-H. She plays VYSA softball and likes to attend Sunday School and Messy Church at her church. 

  • Kyla Schaefer, sponsored by Boost Beauty Boutique and Hill Monument.

    Kyla is the 7-year-old daughter of Mark and Kristen Schaefer of Columbia. She is proudly sponsored by Boost Beauty Boutique and Hill Monument.

    Kyla will be a 2nd Grader at Immaculate Conception School in the fall of 2026. She has a younger brother, Kolby. Kyla also has a dog named Kinze.

    Kyla loves singing and dancing. She is involved in Blue Jays Cheer and the Saint Louis Metro Polka Club.

  • Quinn Matthews, sponsored by First National Bank of Waterloo, Premier Turf, and Deer Creek Farms.

    Quinn is the 8-year-old daughter of Jacob and Kristen Matthews of Waterloo. She is proudly sponsored by First National Bank of Waterloo, Premier Turf, and Deer Creek Farms.

     Quinn will be a 3rd Grader at Roger’s Elementary School in the fall of 2026. She has a younger sister, Callie, and a younger brother, Braden. Quinn also has a dog named Gus, two cats named Barbie and Skipper, a cow named Rosie, and chickens.

    Quinn loves swimming, gymnastics, riding her four-wheeler, playing with her pets, helping her dad on the family farm, and preparing her cow Rosie for her first Monroe County Fair show. She is involved in gymnastics at Barron Gymnastics, horseback riding, and volleyball at the Monroe County YMCA.

  • Ryan Catanzaro, sponsored by Salt+Honey Bistro & Event Space, Simple Slate Photography, and La Belle Vous Salon.

    Ryan is the 6-year-old daughter of Wil and Amanda Catanzaro of Waterloo. She is proudly sponsored by Salt+Honey Bistro & Event Space, Simple Slate Photography, and La Belle Vous Salon.

    Ryan will be a 1st Grader at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in the fall of 2026. She is an only child and has two German Shepherds named Atlas and Luna.

    Ryan loves arts and crafts, science, Legos, and gardening. She is also involved in tumbling.

  • Sophia Nilges, sponsored by Oh Sugar! Ice & Cream and Happy Hour Sports Bar.

    Sophia is the 8-year-old daughter of Paul and Emelie Nilges of Waterloo. She is proudly sponsored by Oh Sugar! Ice & Cream and Happy Hour Sports Bar.

    Sophia will be a 3rd Grader at Roger’s Elementary School in the fall of 2026. She has a twin brother, Sebastian, and no pets.

    Sophia loves singing, cheer, drums, tumbling, board games, baking, and playing with her friends and cousins. She is involved in Maeystown Clovers and Monroe County Cloverbuds, Monroe County Singers Company, Waterloo Sports Association Cheerleading, and Power Haus classes for tumbling and cheer.

  • Vivienne Bruntjens, sponsored by Tammy Mitchell Hines & Co. Real Estate, The Art of Beauty, and Feather's Farm.

    Vivienne is the 6-year-old daughter of Chad and Stephanie Bruntjens of Waterloo. She is proudly sponsored by Tammy Mitchell Hines & Co. Real Estate, The Art of Beauty, and Feather's Farm.

    Vivienne will be a 1st Grader at W.J. Zahnow Elementary School in the fall of 2026. She has an older brother, Camden, and a German Shepherd named Roman Henry.

    Vivienne loves playing with her Barbies, swimming whenever she can, and watching her favorite princess movies. She enjoys staying active with t-ball, soccer, and gymnastics, and especially loves spending time with her family at church. Vivienne has a caring heart and shows it by raising money for the American Heart Association. At school, she received the Character Trait Award for "Cooperation". Her helpfulness, enthusiasm and energy shines in everything she does, and she is always ready to make a new friend.