Family members calmly awaited news of who was selected as this years Junior Fair royalty on Saturday evening, Sept. 8. Parents, grandparents, past Wayne County Junior Fair kings and queens and royalty from other counties were among those in the packed, standing room only pavilion. As the royal court made their way on stage, all of the candidates sparkled and shined in long gowns and tuxedos.
As the audience learned more about each of the candidates, it was apparent that each had an internal spark generated from their achievements, dreams, dedication to 4-H and the Junior Fair, their attitudes and their plans for the future. Members of the junior fair ages 16 and over are nominated and voted on by their peers on the Junior Fair Board. Royalty includes king, prince, queen and princess. The nominees are narrowed down to the top 16, then the top 10 and the final four are announced and crowned during the coronation held the first night of the fair.
Ellen Douglas, the grandmother of Matthew Horst, one of the candidates, was waiting with her husband, Wendell. This was their first grandchild in the running.
Matthew is pretty excited to be a part of the contest, Douglas said.
This is really nice of the 4-H to sponsor the contest. Matthew has worked very hard, especially in the swine barn, she said.
Last years king, Zach Noble, and queen, Christie Aylsworth, both graduates of Triway High School, crowned the 2012 court. The 2012 team is ready for the challenges and the rewards of the upcoming year.
This years queen is Emily Rehm, 19. She is the daughter of Louis and Debra Rehm of Orrville. Rehm is a student at Walsh University, studying for a degree in biology and premed. Shes a member of the Baughman Guys and Gals 4-H Club. Her projects this year include beef and dairy steers, and hogs.
This is truly an honor to receive this award and Im just really speechless, Rehm said.
Im really glad to be able to give back to the 4-H program. My future plans include finishing my studies at Walsh and then later becoming a chiropractor, she said.
The 2012 king is Geoffrey Norris, 17. He is the son of Dale and Shelly Graham Norris of Wooster. Norris is a junior at Triway High School, and a member of the Springville Cowpokes 4-H Club and Triway FFA. Hes exhibiting pygmy goats and dairy cattle this year. After graduating high school, he plans on attending ATI to study bio-energy.
This is a great opportunity to give back to the 4-H program and to honor the Wayne County Fair, Norris said.
Bryce Payne was crowned as prince and Bailey Hardin was crowned princess. Other candidates for king/prince were Zach Donley, Josh Harley, Matt Horst and Bryce Payne. Candidates for queen/princess included Sarah Frank, Bailey Hardin, Ellie Kauffman and Olivia Weeman.
Sarah Frank, 17, is the daughter of Mike and Judi Frank of Dalton. She is a member of the Basically Bovine 4-H Club and a senior at Dalton High School.
Bailey Hardin, 17, is the daughter of Larry and Barb Hardin of Shreve. She is a senior at Triway High School, and is enrolled at the University of Akron in their post-secondary program. Shes a member of the Clinton Lads and Lassies 4-H Club and Triway FFA and she plans on attending college next fall to major in education.
Ellie Kauffman, 16, is the youngest daughter of Jeff and Nancy Kauffman of Wooster. She is a junior at Smithville High School and a member of the Smithie Whiz Kids 4-H Club. After high school, she plans to attend college to become a vet or a teacher.
Olivia Weeman, 18, is the daughter of Bruce and Rhonda Weeman of Orrville and is a senior at Smithville High School and a member of the Country Acres 4-H Club. Her plans for the future include attending college for business management and taking over her familys farm
Zach Donley, 16, is the son of Sean and Karen Donley of Wooster. He is a sophomore at Triway High School and a member of Springville Country Club. He hopes to one day attend WYOtech to study diesel mechanics.
Josh Harley, 17, is the son of Steve and Marla Harley of Burbank. He is a member of Canaan Hoof-N-Hide 4-H Club and a senior at Norwayne. He plans on attending college next fall to major in engineering.
Matthew Horst, 16, is the son of Duane and Beth Horst of Smithville. Hes a member of the Smithie Whiz Kids 4-H Club and is a junior at Smithville High School. Future plans include college and continuing to work on his familys farm.
Bryce Payne, 16, is the son of Mark and Jody Payne of Wooster. He is a junior at Hillsdale High School and a member of the Springville Cowpokes 4-H Club. He plans to attend college after high school and major in science or agriculture.
The royal team will attend as many junior fair shows and sales as possible throughout the year. They will also advocate for 4-H and agriculture in Wayne County, attend other county fairs and the queen usually competes for Ohios Fair Junior Fair Queen.
