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

Cadence Shipes

Cadence Shipes

Cadence Shipes

Sponsored by George Obernagel and Fit Body Boot Camp. 
Cadence is the 18-year-old daughter of Christina and Bryan Massie of Valmeyer. She stands 5’7” tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is 2022 graduate Valmeyer High School. This fall she will be a freshman at Belmont University, where she plans to pursue a degree in Biomedical Science and Genetics. Cadence is currently employed as a Barista at Starbucks and is the CEO of Cadi’s Cupcakes. She enjoys singing, baking, playing instruments – as well as science, weightlifting, politics, reading, and gardening. Cadence’s many activities include: FFA, National Honor Society, Class Officer, TREND, Monroe County Teen Court, Saturday Scholars, Choir, Band, Theater, Model UN, Pep Club, Varsity Cheerleading, Yearbook, Student Council, and Monroe County startUP. Her special honors include State FFA Talent for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 – as well as National FFA Talent in 2019. She received her FFA Greenhand Degree in 2019, FFA Chapter Degree in 2020, was her FFA Chapter Reporter for the 2020-2021 year, and is her FFA Chapter President and the FFA Section Reporter for the 2021-2022 year. Cadence has been her Class Secretary for 2018 – 2022, NHS Secretary for 2021-2022, and Student Council Secretary for 2021-2022.

Lydia Henerfauth

Lydia Henerfauth

Lydia Henerfauth

Sponsored by Monroe County Electric Co-Op and Thoma and Associates Tax Service. 
Lydia is the 17-year-old daughter of Ray and Julie Henerfauth of Fults. She stands 5’9” tall with brown hair and brown eyes. This fall Lydia will be a Senior at Valmeyer High School and anticipates graduating in 2023. After high school she plans to attend Maryville University, beginning in the Fall of 2023, to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, and work towards becoming a flight nurse. Lydia is currently employed by Thoma and Associates Tax Service, Lisa’s Market Street Grill, and as a Babysitter for two families. She enjoys showing livestock at both local and state levels, hiking, traveling the world, painting, and woodworking – as well participating in 4H and FFA events, and spending time with family and friends. Lydia’s many activities include: Maeystown Clovers 4-H Club, 4-H Federation and Teens as Teachers, FFA Historian, Pep Club, TREND, Yearbook, Spanish Club, Choir, Art Club, school plays, and soccer at VHS. She is also a member of the Monroe County Sheep Producers, Monroe County Junior Sheep Committee, Junior member of the Oxford, Dorsett, and Suffolk Sheep Associations; She is a CIT at Camp Ondessonk, a member of St. Mary’s Parish, and has participated in numerous community service projects in the County through her clubs. Through FFA Lydia has received her Greenhand Degree, Top Greenhand, and Chapter Degree. She is an honorary member at Camp Ondessonk. She has received Junior Showmanship, Grand Champion Lamb, and Grand Champion Land of Lincoln at the State Sheep Show. She received Grand Champion Buck Rabbit, as well as many other Grand Champion Sheep Awards, at the Monroe County Fair. Lydia has also received 1st Place Chairman in conducting a meeting, 1st Place Musical Ensemble at District, and 1st Place State Volleyball Championship.

Lydia Lutman

Lydia Lutman 

Lydia Lutman 

Sponsored by Waterloo Animal Hospital. 
Lydia is the 18-year-old daughter of Chris and Tricia Lutman of Waterloo. She stands 5’ 2 ¼” tall with light brown hair and blue/green hazel eyes. She is a 2022 graduate of Waterloo High School. This fall she will be a Freshman at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale with plans to major in Animal Science/Pre-Vet, then attend Vet School to obtain her DMV and work with large animals. Lydia has been employed as a Kennel Worker at Waterloo Animal Hospital since 2020. She enjoys showing sheep, working with animals, and playing tennis. Lydia’s many activities include: 4-H, 4-H Federation, FFA, Tennis, and Band. Lydia received the Bule and Gold Award in 2021, Top Dog Award in 2022, I Dare You Award in 2021, and Most Improved 1st Year Band Member in 2019.

Maddie Reuter

Maddie Reuter 

Maddie Reuter 

Sponsored by Studio B Dance Company. 
Maddie is the 17-year-old daughter of Beth Hand and David Reuter of Waterloo. She stands 5’2” tall with blonde hair and hazel eyes. She is a 2022 graduate of Waterloo High School. This fall will be a Freshman at Webster University with plans to study Musical Theater. Her goal is to be a performer on Broadway. Maddie is currently employer as a teacher and choreographer for Studio B Dance Company. She enjoys dancing competitively, acting, singing, and loves going to Disney World with her family. Maddie’s many activities include dancing competitively with many different styles of dance and working as a full-time teacher and choreographer for Studio B Dance Company. She is a member of National Honor Society, was picker for the Student of Character Award, was a recipient of the Top Dog Award, and was able to sustain a 4.0gpa for all 4 years of high school.

Michaela Runge

Michaela Runge

Candidate Name

Sponsored by First National Bank of Waterloo and Daytime Discoveries. 
Michaela is the 21-year-old daughter of Craig and Christine Runge of Fults. She stands 5’1” tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is a 2019 graduate of Waterloo High School. This fall she will be a Sophomore at Southwestern Illinois College where she is pursuing an Associate degree in Business Management, while working full-time; with the goal of becoming a store leader and full-time Social Media influencer. Michaela is currently employed a full-time First Assistant Manger at Maurices. She loves Western Fashion, iced lattes, and striving to beat all of her personal records at the gym. She is slightly addicted to TikTok and content creating for social media. Her favorite past-time is doing small, random acts of kindness for strangers and those around her. Michaela’s many activities include: Social and Community Liaison for Maurices and volunteering with the Waterloo Band Parent Organization. She was named the Most Improved Social Media Influencer Fiscal 2021, 2022 Maurices Brand Contributor, and Maurices Brand Contributor Spotlight Nominee. Michaela was also the 1st Runner-up in the Miss Monroe County Fair Queen Pageant for 2019 and 2021.

Sophia Dell

Sophia Dell

Sophia Dell

Sponsored by Sydenstricker-Nobbe Partners. 
Sophia is the 18-year-old daughter of Brian and Becky Dell of Waterloo. She stands 5’4” tall with brown hair and brown eyes. She is a 2022 graduate of Waterloo High School. This fall she will be a Freshman at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, where she is majoring in Animal Science with a focus in animal nutrition, with a minor in Ag Business. She hopes to seek a career in the animal nutrition industry. Sophia is currently employed at the University of Illinois Extension: Monroe County. Her hobbies include hunting and fishing, working with animals, and reading. Her interests include working with youth to promote the agriculture industry and animal science. Sophia’s many activities include: Waterloo FFA Chapter, the Monroe County 4-H Federation, and the Maeystown Clovers 4-H Club. She is also part of the Waterloo High School Nation Honors Society. Within her FFA Chapter she is currently the External Vice President. She also holds the President seat for her 4-H club and serves as Secretary for the Monroe County 4-H Federation. She received the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce 2019 Youth Community Service Award, Renaissance Top Dog Award, and the Monroe County Farm Bureau Jonah Matthews Memorial Scholarship. Within FFA she has been awarded STAR Greenhand, Outstanding Sophomore, 2021 Section 22 winner in Small Animal Production and Care, and 2022 Section and District winner in Small Animal Production and Care. Within 4-H she was awarded the I Dare You Award.

Mary Brinkmann

Mary Brinkmann

Mary Brinkmann

Sponsored by Brinkmann Heating and Cooling, Gilbert Electric, and the Backyard Learning Center. 
Mary is the 18-year-old daughter of Christy Brinkmann and the late Duane Brinkmann of Waterloo. She stands 5’6” tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is a December 2021 graduate of Waterloo High School. This fall she will be a Sophomore at Southwestern Illinois College. After graduating early from high school, she started at St Louis Community College to complete her Gen-Ed requirements. Next spring she will be attending the University of Southern Indiana to dual major in Criminology and Psychology. Mary has been employed with RMS Theater since Spring 2020 and The Backyard Learning Center since Spring 2022. She loves to cook, sew, paint, write, and do any other arts and crafts. She enjoys creative writing and self-published a novel called “Around Every Corner” at Barnes and Noble. Mary’s many activities include: Girl Scouts from 2009-2022, 4-H Club from 2021-2022, 4-H Federation from 2018 – 2022, WHS Science Olympiad from 2018-2021, WHS Tennis from 2018-2021, WHS Bowling from 2020-2022, WHS National Honor Society from 2020-2022, Waterloo Police Explorers Program from 2021-2022, U of I Summer Illini State Committee from 2018-2022, Monroe County 4-H Teen Teacher from 2020-2022, and worked with the Waterloo Mayor and leadership of the Catholic Church to research and develop a historical monument of the heritage of the Catholic faith in Waterloo from 2018-2022. She was awarded the Waterloo High School Top Dog Award, Girl Scouts Trifecta Award, Waterloo Optimist Young Leader Award, VFW Post 6504 – Voice of Democracy 1st Place Award, and VFW District 14 – Voice of Democracy 2nd Place Award. She is also a National Honor Society Member and a St Baldridge Hair Donor for children with cancer.

Little Miss Candidates

Little Miss Candidates
  • Abbigail Jo Faulkner, sponsored by Joe Buechler of Keller-Williams Pinnacle, Fast Fitness in the Loo, Swing Fore Monroe County, and Studio B Dance Company.
    Abbigail is the 8-year-old daughter of Tim and Kelly Faulkner of Columbia. She stands 4’1” tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in the 4th grade at Parkview Elementary School. She has an 11-year-old brother, James, and 2 dogs: Dixie and River. Abbey likes to draw and do art projects, read books, and sing karaoke. She also enjoys cooking with her mom and going on adventures with her aunt – especially to the park. In the summer, she likes to spend as much time as possible swimming at the pool. Abbey has been dancing since she was 2 years old and is currently a member of Studio B Dance Company in Waterloo. She is also very active at school, attending cheer camp and volleyball camp, raising money for the American Heart Association through the Jump Rope for Heart program, and collecting cans of food for their food drive. She also was awarded a Terrific Kid award this year for displaying kindness, and loves to read to the animals at the Monroe County Humane Society through their Rescue Readers program.
  • Adel Rau, sponsored by Studio B Dance Company.
    Adel is the 8-year-old daughter of Jennifer and Brady Rau of Valmeyer. She stands 4’6” tall with dark blonde hair and brown eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at Valmeyer Elementary School. She has a 14-year-old brother, Gavin, and 2 dogs: Makenzie and Drake. Adel enjoys working on the farm with her dad and grandpa, and cooking with her mom. She also loves to dance, hanging with her mom when shopping, and watching her brother play baseball and basketball. Adel also loves being outside on the farm with her brother, dad, and grandpa: rather it be checking the fields, planting the garden, or just going on a ranger ride.
  • Alaina Stumpf, sponsored by Stumpf and Gutknecht PC and Shady Creek Nursery and Garden.
    Alaina is the 7-year-old daughter of Sam and Stephanie Stumpf of Columbia. She stands 4’ tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in 2nd grade at Parkview Elementary. She has 2 brothers: 5-year-old Wyatt and 2-year-old Jacob. Alaina enjoys gymnastics, dance, going to the zoo, and playing with her friends. Alaina is involved in gymnastics, dance, soccer, softball, church, school, and goes Christmas caroling with her church.
  • Alayna Petty, sponsored by Burnt Silk Screenprinting and Boutique.
    Alayna is the 7-year-old daughter of Garrett and Tammy Petty of Waterloo. She stands 5’1” tall with blonde hair and brown eyes. This fall she will be in 2nd grade at Rogers Elementary. She has a 5-year-old brother CJ and a 12-year-old dog named Trooper. Alayna loves to stay active and spend time with her family and friends. She enjoys riding her bike, ice skating, swimming, and riding her 4-wheeler and moped. She also enjoys playing softball in the summer, attending Singers Company where she sings and dances each week, and going to church with her friends and family. When she grows up, Alayna wants to be a police officer so she can work in schools to teach kids about drugs and crime.
  • Blaklee Schwarze, sponsored by Schwarze Trailer Repair Inc and Monroe County Cattleman’s Association.
    Blaklee is the 7-year-old daughter of Kody and Afton Schwarze of Fults. She stands 3’8” tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at Valmeyer CUSD 3. She has a 5-year-old brother, Tucker, a dog named Stag, and cats and cows too. Blaklee’s favorite hobbies include camping, boating, swimming, and riding her bike. She really likes showing her cows and she enjoys summer and being with her family. She loves the fair, bringing her cows up here to show them, and is a member of the Maeystown Clovers 4-H group.
  • Brielle Tedder, sponsored by Bean Tree café and Feather’s Farm.
    Brielle is the 8-year-old daughter of Bryan and Katrina Tedder of Waterloo. She stands 4’2” tall with brown hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at Emmanuel Christian Academy. She has a 7-year-old brother, Lincoln, and 4 dogs: Harley, Max, Lilly, and Izzy. Brielle enjoys tumbling, karate, and drawing. She attends Life Community Church and likes playing outside and spending time with her dogs. She also enjoys growing and tending to her strawberry patch and helping Maw Maw feed the chickens and collect the eggs.
  • Josalynn Demetrulias, sponsored by Joe’s Pizza and Pasta and Selfie Studio A.
    Josalynn is the 8-year-old daughter of Scott and Alicia Demetrulias of Waterloo. She stands __ tall with light brown hair and brown eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at Rogers Elementary. She has a 13-year-old sister, Madalyn Craft, a male boxer, Opie, and a female pitbull, Freya. Josalynn enjoys dancing, drawing, make-up, and playing with hair. She also enjoys swimming and helping stray animals.
  • Kelsey Utz, sponsored by Smiles R Forever and Lisa Meegan-REMax Preferred.
    Kelsey is the 8-year-old daughter of Kendra and Shaun Utz of Hecker. She stands 4’2” tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in 3rd grade at Rogers Elementary. She has a 10-year-old brother, Brody, 1 bunny, Max, and 2 dogs: a yorkie named Oliver and a chihuahua named Sebastian. Kelsey loves horseback riding, painting, arts and crafts, and training her new puppy. She also loves spending time with her family and staying the night with grandma baking cookies and cupcakes. She wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.
  • Nora Zellerman, sponsored by Power Haus Cheer, Full Circle Sportz, and Kristie Moore Strano and Associates Real Estate.
    Nora is the 7-year-old daughter of David and Kelly Zellerman of Waterloo. She stands 3’11” tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in 2nd grade at Rogers Elementary. She has an 11-year-old sister, Stella, and a 2-year-old dog named Finley. One of her favorite things to do is woodworking with her dad. She loves all art and craft projects, and loves to cheer. She is involved with 2 cheer teams: Performance Cheerleading at Powe Haus Cheer and the Waterloo Sports Association. She is also taking tumbling classes.
  • Olivia Mae Simms, sponsored by Two Fresh Blooms.
    Olivia is the 7-year-old daughter of Douglas and Tracy Simms of Waterloo. She stands ____ tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. This fall she will be in 2nd grade at Rogers Elementary. She has a 5-year-old brother, Elijah James, and 3-year-old brother, Noah Reese, and a mini donkey named Sassafras. Olivia enjoys drawing/art, gardening, riding horses, soccer, and swimming. She plays in a soccer league and enjoys attending Immanuel Lutheran VBS and Redwing Farm Horse Camp.