Three area young ladies vying for county fair queen honors

By J.O. Parker
      
      Three young ladies representing Montezuma, Deep River and Chelsea are seeking the title of the 2022 Poweshiek County Fair Queen.
        The pageant is slated for Thursday, July 14 at 5 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
        The candidates are: Abby Cheney, Deep River; Sam Bos, Montezuma and Ireland Sebetka, Chelsea.
Following is a brief overview of each candidate:

      Abby Cheney – Abby, 17, the daughter of Tom and Michelle Cheney, will be entering her senior year at Montezuma High School this fall.
       Abby currently works at TLC Farms.
     Her current activities include studio dance, band, 4-H, National Honor Society, student council, dance team, basketball and shooting sports.
       Her hobbies and special interests include reading, dance and taking care of her animals. Her future plans are to attend college and major in business.
      When asked why she decided to run for queen, Abby said to be a role model for younger girls.
      “It would be an honor to represent our county and be a role model for younger girls,” she said.

      Sam Bos – Sam, 16, will be entering her junior year at Montezuma High School this fall. She is the daughter of Travis and Jenny Bos.
      Sam spends her summers painting for Keith Little.
      Her current activities include volleyball, track, shooting sports, band, musicals/plays, attending church and being involved in 4-H and FFA.
    Her hobbies and special interests include helping her sisters when needed, photography, journaling, hanging out with friends, working with her sheep, chickens and snuggling her ducks.
      As for the future, Sam is still undecided.
      When asked why she decided to run for queen, she said to gain experience and be a good role model.
     “I enjoy helping with fair activities and would like to gain experience at the state fair because I think I am a good role model,” she said.

      Ireland Sebetka – Ireland, 17, will be a senior at Grinnell High School this fall. She is the daughter of Adriane and Wesley Sebetka III.
       She is currently employed as a farm hand for Janicki Farms and as an intern at All Pets Veterinary Hospital in Grinnell.
      Her current activities include club and school sponsored volleyball, softball, FFA, 4-H, honor roll, 4-H County Council, Poweshiek County Fair Youth Entertainment Committee and as a server at Saint Patrick’s Church.
      Ireland’s hobbies and special interests include helping on her grandparent’s farm as well as repairing tractors and vehicles with her older brother, Wesley.
     “I also enjoy helping younger community members learn about agriculture, 4-H and FFA as well as coaching younger volleyball and softball players to help improve their skill levels,” she said.
      As for her future plans, Ireland is considering attending Dordt University to play volleyball and softball and get her minor in Ag Production and Management, then transfer to Iowa State University to earn a degree in Veterinary Science.
      When asked why she decided to run for county fair queen, Ireland said she would like to be the Poweshiek County Fair Queen because she would like to give back to the people who have made her fair experience one of a kind.
     “My goal is to show purpose, kindness, respect and much more to those who come to the fair,” she said. “I strive to make sure everyone has a good fair experience. I hope everyone who attends becomes more educated and would consider contributing to our fair or agriculture as a whole.”

Little Miss Crowning
        Eight young girls are vying for the Little Miss Crowning, which will take place during the queen contest intermission. Those participating are Tillie Roberts, daughter of Trace and Cassie Roberts; Kaylee Bushong, daughter of Lucas and Nichole Bushong; Haygen Lacaeyse, daughter of Alex and Lauren Lacaeyse; Malia Hay, daughter of Marlo and Sarah Hay; Ella Manatt, daughter of Adam and Jamin Manatt; Brielle Iverson, daughter of Chris and Cara Iverson; Hadley Criswell, daughter of Jeff and Tiffany Criswell; Brooke Hutchinson, daughter of Brandon Blom and Charity Hall.