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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Fair Queen Candidates

Chelsea Nehls

Chelsea Nehls

Chelsea Nehls

Sponsored by T&Sun Dial Law Care Inc, Dixie Grace Candle Company, and
Kerber, Eck, & Braeckel. 
Chelsea is the 20-year-old daughter of Fred and Melissa Nehls of Columbia. She stands 5’3” tall with brown hair and brown eyes. She is a 2022 graduate of Belleville Township High School West. She attended Southwestern Illinois College during high school to obtain an Associate in Arts. Afterwards she went on to Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, where she graduated this past spring with a Bachelor’s. She is currently enrolled in the Master’s program at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville with plans on graduating in the spring of 2025. She is currently employed as a Staff Accountant in the tax department at Kerber, Eck, & Braeckel. Chelsea enjoys shopping at local boutiques, going on off-road adventures in her Jeep, attending country concerts, country line dancing, making new recipes, camping, CrossFit, and tending to her garden. She is involved in raising money for various charities and organizations with her Jeep group, Midwest Off-RoadHers, such as raising money for breast cancer, feeding people at the Ronald McDonald House, and collecting items for shelter pets. During her undergraduate program at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, she was also a member of the Entrepreneurship Club.

Erica Runge

Erica Runge

Erica Runge

Sponsored by The Coffee Pot, The Clothes Line Boutique, Numa Fitness Inc, and Justin Scheibe - DeKalb/Asgrow Seed. 
Erica is the 19-year-old daughter of Craig and Christine Runge of Fults. She stands 5’5” tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is a 2023 graduate of Waterloo High School. This fall she will be a sophomore at Southwestern Illinois College, where she plans to obtain an Associate’s degree in arts. After graduation, she plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University to pursue a major in hospitality management with a minor in horticulture. Her dream is to become a wedding planner. She is currently employed as a waitress at Applebee’s Grill and Bar. Erica enjoys being a coffee connoisseur, dressing up, going on hikes, working out, attending country music concerts, going on drives with friends, reading, trying new foods, and meeting new people. She is a member of Southwestern Illinois College Horticulture Club, The National Society of Leadership and Success, and Phi Theta Kappa.

Gracie Kohler

Gracie Kohler 

Gracie Kohler 

Sponsored by Bountiful Blossoms, JR Photography, Gateway FS, Schwarze Trailer Repair Inc, Shock Electric Inc, and Waterloo Automotive Services Inc. 
Gracie is the 19-year-old daughter of Gary and Michelle Kohler of Valmeyer. She stands 5’7” tall with light brown hair and blue eyes. She is a 2024 graduate of Valmeyer High School. This fall she will be a freshman at Southwestern Illinois College. She plans to attain a career pertaining to horticulture. She is employed with Bountiful Blossoms and Corner George Inn Bed and Breakfast. Gracie enjoys golfing, gardening, pickle ball, sewing, scrapbooking, cooking, playing games, photography, and theater. She is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Board Game Club, FFA, Valmeyer Music Department, Valmeyer Women’s Ensemble, Band, Choir, and Art Club. Her special honors include two first places in IHSA Solo and Ensemble 2024, 2024 Illinois State Scholar, FFA Chapter Treasurer, FFA State Degree, and Female Class Representative.

Haley Bode

Haley Bode 

Haley Bode 

Sponsored by Monroe County Electric Cooperative 
Haley is the 20-year-old daughter of Tim and Laura Bode of Waterloo. She stands 5’8” tall with brunette hair and blue/green eyes. She is a 2022 graduate from Waterloo High School. This fall she will be a sophomore at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s in agricultural education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. After college, she plans to obtain her master’s in Agricultural Education, to become a FFA Advisor and agriculture educator. She is currently employed with UCFB as an Ag in the Classroom Coordinator and is a Consultant with Bridal Manor. Haley enjoys advocating for the agriculture industry, teaching agriculture lessons, facilitating conferences, traveling to new places, antiquing, collecting unique turquoise jewelry, reading, and connecting with friends. Haley’s is a member of Sigma Alpha, Farm to Fork, Collegiate Farm Bureau, ILSSO participant, Collegiate FFA, National Honors Society, AFA, and 4-H. She makes tie blankets for Century Assisted Living; dog treats for PAWS, and participates in Red Cross blood drives, Illinois FFA Hygiene Bags, and Christmas present donations through LifeChurch X. She also assists with the Health Essentials Drive, makes law enforcement cards and Valentine’s Day cards for St Jude’s, helps with flags for Labor Day and Memorial Day, and is an Illinois FFA Conference Facilitator and Curriculum Builder. Haley was the Illinois FFA State Secretary, Section 22 President, and Waterloo FFA President. She is on the Dean’s List, is a National FFA Delegate, and was a CFB State Discussion Meet Runner-Up. She has obtained her American FFA Degree, was a World Schools Debate National Qualifier, and has served as the Sigma Alpha Service Chair, AFA Ambassador, Advances Agrylitics Intern, and SIUC AgBassador.

Tru Schilling

Tru Schilling

Tru Schilling

Sponsored by Schilling Farms, CraveFit with Tiffany, T&T Boutique, Dream Big Learning Center, TKW Gelbvieh Farm, May Pest LLC, and Tim Whitmire - First Integrity Mortgage 
Tru is the 20-year-old daughter of Jeremy and Tiffany Schilling of Valmeyer. She stand 5’3” tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is a 2022 graduate of Valmeyer High School. This fall she will be a junior at Maryville University, majoring in biology on the Pre-Med track with a minor in sign language. She hopes to become a pediatric surgeon. She is currently employed at Waterloo Rural King. Tru enjoys going to the gym, hanging out with friends, working in her garden, fishing, shopping, and watching scary movies. She is involved in Maryville’s Knots of Love, where they make tie blankets to donate to hospitals and people in need, also involved in collecting and donating clothes for those in need, and helping run food drives. She received her Green Hand Degree in 2018, Chapter Degree in 2020, State Degree 2022, and American Degree in 2023. She was the 2020-2021 Chapter Historian and 2021-2022 Chapter Reporter.

Janella Neary

Janella Neary

Janella Neary

Sponsored by Waterloo Animal Hospital and Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners 
Janella is the 18-year-old daughter of Mark and Raeleen Neary of Hecker. She stands 5’11” with brown hair and blue-grey eyes. She is a 2024 graduate of Waterloo High School. This fall she will be a Freshman at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she plans to major in Agriculture Communications with a minor in Animal Science. She has been employed with as a Kennel Assistant with Waterloo Animal Hospital since 2022. Janella enjoys showing livestock and hanging out with friends and family. She is involved in 4-H, FFA, Student Council, and Renaissance Club. She has assisted with the 2022 and 2023 4-H CAN Make a Difference statewide food drive, 2022 and 2023 IAA Auction and Ice Cream Social in Chicago, IL, and 2023 National Day of Service for 4-H in Atlanta, GA. She has also been involved with Monroe County 4-H Steer Weigh-In since 2021, Waterloo FFA Alumni Taco Stand since 2020, and Monroe County 4-H Ice Cream Stand since 2014. She is a recipient of the 2024 Illinois Farm Bureau Sustaining the Future award, 2024 Illinois 4-H Emerald Clover award in Community Service, 2024 Illinois FFA State Degree, 2023 National I Dare You award, and 2023 Illinois 4-H Emerald Clover award in Leadership.

Little Miss Candidates

Little Miss Candidates
  • Rose Hoeffken, sponsored by Wittenauer Farms and Makers on Main Street. Rose is the 8-year-old daughter of Nick and Ashley Hoeffken of Waterloo. She stands 4’1” tall with light brown hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at Roger’s Elementary School. she has 2 older brothers: Wyatt and Morgan, and 2 Goldendoodle:, Buttercup and Bianca. Rose enjoys dance, crafts, and spending time with family and friends. Rose is a second-year competition dancer at On Your Toes Dance Studio and is co=owner of a small diamond art business with her brother Morgan called Diamonds R Us.
  • Raeann Marie Knollhoff, sponsored by Ellen and Howard Heavner. Raeanna is the 8-year-old daughter of Joseph Knollhoff and Steffanie Begley of Valmeyer. She stands 4’9” tall with brown hair and brown eyes. This fall she will be in 2nd grade at Valmeyer Elementary School. She is an only child and enjoys coloring, playing, sleeping, crafts, and fashion. Raeann is involved in soccer, school musicals, singing, dancing, Sunday school, and is a Rescue Reader for Helping Strays.
  • Natalie Jones, sponsored by D&A Builders. Natalie is the 8-year-old daughter of Matthew and Tabitha Jones of Waterloo. She stands 4’ tall with brown hair and brown eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at Rogers Elementary School. She has an older brother: Landon, and 2 dogs: Latte and Lexi. Natalie enjoys swimming, golfing with family, playing with her dogs, and gymnastics. Rose is a cheerleader for WSA, does gymnastics at Power Haus, plays softball for WSA, and basketball at the YMCA. She has participated in Young Author’s for the last 2 years and wants to become a veterinarian when she gets older.
  • Isabell Rose Shelton, sponsored by Disaster Restoration Pros LLC and Schneider's Quality Meats. Isabell is the 8-year-old daughter of Chris and Tammy Shelton of Renault. She stands 4’1” tall with blonde hair and brown eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at Rogers Elementary School. She has an older brother: Anthony, rabbits, ducks, chickens, dogs, and 2 jumping spiders. Isabell enjoys camping, side-by-side riding, playing outside, playing Fortnite, mudding, playing with her friends outside, going to new places to see stuff; she loves listening to music on Friday or Saturday nights at home with her mom, dad, and brother, and she loves holding her two chocolate mini rexs. She is a member of Girl Scout Brownie Troup 179 in the Waterloo Service Unit and sold 285 boxes of cookies; as a Daisy she earned the Lee Summit Award (the highest award you can earn as a Daisy). Through Girl Scouts she has spent the night at the St Louis Zoo, Magic House, and St Louis Aquarium. She attends her brother’s Special Olympic games and 4-H meetings, has earned the Pece Award at school, wanted to be Vet Tech, loves to help her mommy set up at craft shows. In the fall Isabell will be joining the Golden Eagles 4-H Club and fun fact: she was born on Earth Day.
  • Haven Grace Schaefer, sponsored by Big A's Seamless Gutters Inc. Haven is the 8-year-old daughter of Mark and Elisabeth Schaefer of Hecker. She stands 4’3” tall with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at St John’s Lutheran School. She has a younger sister: Brynlee, and pets: Josie, Daisy, Molly, Bo, Olaf, and Marshall. Haven enjoys softball, painting, and making bracelets. She is involved in sports and art.
  • Hadalyne Howell, sponsored by Wolter's Custom Cabinets LLC, AgriMaxx Wheat Company LLC, and Waterloo Animal Hospital. Hadalyne is the 8-year-old daughter of John and Natalie Howell of Red Bud. She stands 4’8” tall with brown hair and brown eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at Red Bud Elementary School. She has an older brother: Heston, her own pony, 3 horses, 5 dogs, 3 rabbits, and her family raises cattle. Hadalyne loves being creative, drawing family pictures and writing her own stories. She enjoys riding her pink four wheeler, boating with her family, swimming, hip hop dancing to her favorite songs, singing, and doing flips on the trampoline as well as having play dates and sleepovers with friends. This past school year she received spotlight student of the month three times and is involved with the Muskets Athletic Club as a Cheerleader for the Red Bud Muskets, as well as participates in gymnastics at Barron, dances at Denoyer Dance Studio, and is a Girl Scout Brownie. She loves being center of attention so much that she competes in countless beauty pageants across multiple states and models for an agency in St. Louis were just last year she was chosen to be in a commercial and on a banner for the St. Louis Science Center.
  • Brooklyn Kubelka, sponsored by Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners. Brooklyn is the 7-year-old daughter of Michael and Heidi Kubelka of Waterloo. She stands 3’8” tall with blondish hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in 2nd grade at Rogers Elementary School. She has an older brother: Aidan, and a dog: Daisy. Brooklyn enjoys dancing, singing, cheerleading, gymnastics, spending time with family and friends. She mikes Math and spelling, waterparks, going to Branson, and loves animals. She is a member of WSA Cheerleading, gymnastics at Power Haus, is involved in Vacation Bible School, and received the Character Trait of “Caring” award.
  • Ava Helms, sponsored by Unterseh-Schreder Insurance and Rippling Waters Counseling. Ava is the 8-year-old daughter of JD and Lynn Helms of Waterloo. She stands 4’2” tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at Roger’s Elementary School. She has and older brother: AJ, dog: Zena, indoor cats: Serena and Oreo, and 4 outside cats. Ava enjoys gymnastics, cheerleading, softball, camping, and painting. She is a member of WSA Softball, WSA Bulldogs cheer team, and gymnastics at Power Haus.
  • Alaina Mercer, sponsored by Voelker Outdoors LLC. Alaina is the 8-year-old daughter of Sam Mercer and Alissa Hitzemann of Waterloo. She stands 4’3” tall with brown hair and green eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at Roger’s Elementary School. She I an only child and has ducks: Shiloh, Dairy King, and Linda, dogs: Stella and Blu, bunnies: Bonnie and Clyde, and cats: Salger, Cassie, and Pumpkin. Alaina enjoys having friends over and going with friends to new places, outdoor activities: jumping on the trampoline, riding in her power car, and hover board, and playing teacher, mom, and dress up. She is involved in soccer, swimming, gymnastics, and attends Summer School Kennel Klub and going on field trips.
  • Waylenn Kruse, sponsored by Maxillofacial Oral Surgery & Implant Center. Waylenn is the 7-year-old daughter of Josh and Nichole Kruse of Waterloo. She stands 4’1” tall with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in 2nd grade at Roger’s Elementary School. She has an older brother: Greyson, Frenchie: Lilo, black lab: Newt, tortoise: Bossy, and many farm animals. Waylenn enjoys playing soccer for St Louis Stars, competitive dance for Studio B, and showing livestock.

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