VERSAILLES – Ten young women will be vying for the title of Miss Chick on Saturday.
They gathered today at the new Versailles School for the preliminaries in which they were interviewed by five judges.
The finals begin at 2 p.m. Saturday in the former high school gymnasium on the festival grounds at 459 S. Center St.
Candidates for this year, in alphabetical order, are:
*Sophia Aultman, 17, sponsored by Ansonia FFA and daughter of Matt and Morgan Aultman.
*Grace Borchers, 17, sponsored by Versailles FFA, and daughter of Charlie and Renae Borchers.
*Elizabeth Brewer, 18, sponsored by Antoinette Bridal, and daughter of Shaun and Jill Brewer.
*Jensen Bruey, 16, sponsored by A&S Home Inspections, LLC, and daughter of Scott and Arlana Bruey.
*Gianna Bulcher, 18, sponsored by The Pie Shell, and daughter of Cletus and Bernice Bulcher.
*Alexandria Gaerke, 18, sponsored by Russia Livestock 4-H CLub, and daughter of Jason and Judie Gaerke.
*Echoe Grisez, 17, sponsored by Mi Casa Mexican Grill, and daughter of Randy and Stacy Grisez.
*Isabella Gulley, 17, sponsored by Fun Bunch 4-H Club, and daughter of Chris Heckman and Christy Gulley.
*Lauren Pohl, 18, sponsored by Pohl Transportation Inc., and daughter of Brenda Pohl and the late David Pohl.
*Maddalyn Walters, 16, sponsored by Brumbaugh Construction, and
daughter of Dustin and Megan Wills.
This contest, according to Amanda Borchers who co-chairs the event with Madelyn Bartsch, is sponsored by GNB Versailles Banking Center and Versailles Poultry Days, Inc.
At today’s pageant, contestants will be judged on the following basis: Appearance, 25 percent; community involvement, 25 percent; poise, ability to speak, platform presence, 25 percent; and personal interview – 25 percent
Borchers said the chosen Miss Chick who will be named as a result of the event, will receive flowers, a plaque, a crown and $1,000; the first runner-up will receive flowers, a plaque and $400; and the second runner-up will receive flowers, a plaque and $200.
Miss Chick and the court will have the privilege of representing Versailles Poultry Days at other Ohio Festivals until the next Miss Chick is crowned. Miss Chick and Court will receive half their cash prize at Poultry Days in the year they are crowned and the remainder once they have fulfilled their obligations at the following year’s festival.
Set to serve as judges this year at the finals are 2010 Miss Chick Jordan Renfro; Matt Poeppelman, Poultry Days chairman 2023; Theresa Slonksosky, Versailles Poultry Days Board; and Eric “Calvin” Rose, captain and Ultimate Frisbee rep extraordinaire, while Cameron Ruffer will return as emcee.
Rose was also one of the interviewers at today’s personal interview as were Joycr Schwartz of the Minster Oktoberfest; Beth Simons, former Miss Chick chairperson; Scott Ward of WGTR 97.5 FM; and yours truly, this reporter, who represents My County Link.
Last year’s court was composed of Miss Chick Isabel Rawlins; First Runner-up Katelyn Conway and Second Runner-up Kira Cheadle.
