17 vie for 2023 Miss Fall Festival of Leaves Queen

Seventeen young women are competing for the title of Miss Fall Festival of Leaves Queen during the annual event in Bainbridge.

The festival starts on Oct. 19 with the queen's pageant taking place at 8 p.m. Thursday.

The following are the contestants for the title:

Gabriella Tisi

Tisi, 17, a senior at Zane Trace High School

Daughter of Kristina Smith and Robbie Adkins

Gabriella is a three-year MADE and FFA member. She is a Varsity swimmer and soccer player. She does many volunteering projects through FFA and in her community. Gabriella has participated in her school’s annual sausage breakfast, roadside clean-ups, and teaching swim lessons to kids with disabilities. She also takes classes at OUC and is bilingual in English and Italian.

Makhia Tyler

Tyler, 18, a freshman at Ohio University

Daughter of Mamie Withrow and Daniel Tyler.

Makhia is attending Ohio University this fall to pursue a degree in integrated social studies. A salutatorian graduate of Southeastern High School, where she was involved in several clubs. She enjoys mushroom hunting, cheer, dance, hanging out with friends, and watching TV. She is also a candidate for the international honor society in education at Ohio University.

Sadie Kennedy

Kennedy, 15, a sophomore at McClain High School

Granddaughter of Buddy & Jennifer Kennedy

Sadie enjoys competing in other pageants and holds a state title and several local titles. She actively volunteers at the Greenfield Presbyterian Church teaching Sunday School and working in the nursery. She is an honor roll student and is involved in photography club. Last winter Sadie was McClain’s Middle School Basketball team photographer and plans to do so again this year. Sadie is passionate about her academics and is planning on becoming a paralegal in the future.

Elizabeth Sowders

Sowders, 16, a junior at Hillsboro High School

Daughter of Joy and Mark Sowders

Elizabeth participates in soccer, as well as track and bowling. She is active in her school and is taking CCP classes at Southern State Community College. Elizabeth attends Hillsboro Global Methodist Church and youth group where she participates in mission trips yearly. She is also a lifeguard at the Hillsboro Swim Club. Elizabeth loves spending time with her family, in addition to reading books and watching movies. Her favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice.

Reagan Truitt

Truitt, 17, of Paint Valley High School

Daughter of Robert and Stephanie Truitt

Reagan is a varsity cheerleader and plays volleyball at Paint Valley High School. She attends classes at Ohio University during the week. She loves to sing and has performed many times at the Chillicothe Paints stadium. Pageantry has been a passion of hers for many years. Reagan also models for She Said Yes formal and bridal boutique. Reagan also volunteers to help with Little Cats Cheerleading and is also a teacher assistant in the elementary school.

MacKenzie Crum

Crum, 16, a junior at Paint Valley High School

Daughter of Heath Crum and Angela Fink-Crum

Mackenzie is very active and plays varsity basketball, track and has been All SVC 4 consecutive years in Cross Country. She also participates in Sources of Strength, FCS, and is an Ambassador for Drug Free Clubs of America and is looking forward to getting back into 4-H this year. She also loves singing, being outside, and her favorite this to do is spread the word of God with her youth group.

Avery Murphy

Murphy, 15, a sophomore at McClain High School

Daughter of Liz and Roger Murphy

Avery is currently involved in FFA as an officer, Drug-Free Clubs of America, Student Council, Varsity Swim, Varsity Golf, and Tigerettes. Some of her interests include tending to her plants, shopping, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Avery is also a member of symphonic choir, drama club and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Clarissa Burns

Burns, 16, a junior at Paint Valley High School

Daughter of Cody and Tiffany Shaw

Clarissa is a member of the Paint Valley Varsity cheerleading team. She is a pole vaulter and runs multiple events for Paint Valley High School track and field team. Clarissa has participated in theatre since 2015 performing in multiple shows all over Ross County. She enjoys reading and attending church events for the youth.

Caitlyn Dyer

Dyer, 15, a sophomore at Paint Valley High School

Daughter of Amanda and Adam Dyer

Caitlyn is currently taking CCP classes at Paint Valley. She is a part of the volleyball team, and the varsity cheerleading squad, where she helps with Little Cats Cheerleading. Caitlyn is a member of the Drug Free Club of America, and the Clover Clan 4-H Club. Caitlyn also enjoys hanging out with family and friends, playing with her pets, shopping, reading, and watching movies.

Anna Parks

Parks, 17. a senior at Paint Valley High School

Daughter of Tasha and Lou Parks

As a student at Paint Valley High School, she partakes in the College Credit Plus Program through Southern State Community College. She is a 5-year marching bearcat, where she plays the trumpet and she is also the field commander. Anna is also a varsity softball player. She participates in many clubs such as Elite Eagles 4-H, Drug Free Clubs of America, Sources of Strength, Fellowship of Christian Students, President of National Honor Society, and Bainbridge Assembly of God Youth Group. Anna enjoys singing and listening to music in her free time.

Reagan Blackstone

Blackstone, 16, a junior at Paint Valley High School

Daughter of Alaynè and Bryce Matson

Reagan is currently in Drug Free Clubs of America and has been a part of 4-H for 8 years, where she currently holds the office of President. She is a part of the high school volleyball team and a varsity cheerleader. Reagan loves working with animals and helping people.

Bianka Wagner

Wagner, 15, a sophomore at Paint Valley High School

Daughter of Alise and Jason Wagner

Bianka is an energetic Sophomore cheerleader at Paint Valley who can be seen cheering for both the football team and the band every Friday night. Outside of school, Bianka is an equestrian who loves her “baby” a Standardbred named Buttercream Pie.

Sophi Stauffer

Stauffer, 17, a junior at Paint Valley High School

Daughter of Kelly and Jason Stauffer

Sophi is a member of the varsity cheerleading, basketball, softball, and track teams. She is a member of FCS and Science Club. Sophi is also taking CCP classes at Paint Valley.

Raelei Mettler

Mettler, 18, a senior at Paint Valley High School

Daughter of Mike and Becky Mettler

Raelei plays varsity basketball, softball, and track. Part of Drug Free club, Art club, and Sources of Strength (Suicide Prevention). She enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time with family, and painting.

Brehanna Rinehart

Rinehart, 16, a junior at Paint Valley High School

Daughter of Becky and Jason Rinehart

Brehanna is a member of Paint Valley’s cheerleading squad, prom committee, and yearbook. She also enjoys traveling, one of her favorite places to travel is the Virgin Islands. She likes modeling and doing photoshoots. Behanna also enjoys hanging out with her friends and family and spending time with animals, especially her four dogs.

Lauren Andrews

Andrews, 15, a sophomore at Zane Trace High School

Daughter of Jason and Tonya Andrews

Lauren participates in cheerleading, bowling, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, MADE program, FCA, Mural Club, BPA and 4-H.

Hailey Johnson

Johnson, 15, a sophomore at Paint Valley High School

Daughter of Theresa Gee and Christopher Johnson Sr.

Hailey is a Paint Valley cheerleader, member of the Drug-Free Club of America, as well as volunteer cheerleader assistant for the pee wee squad at Paint Valley.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: 17 vie for 2023 Miss Fall Festival of Leaves Queen