Havens, Nipper, Berry final 3 county fair queen contestants

Seven young women from across Putnam County will compete for the title of Miss Putnam County July 17 during the Putnam County 4-H Fair Queen Contest. The contest is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the community building at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Admission is $3 per person.

Here is a look at the contestants vying for the crown.

Megan Michelle Havens

Megan resides in Greencastle with her parents Mike and Debbie Havens. At 18 years old, she is the youngest of four siblings -- Emily, 34, Mark, 31, and James, 28. Megan is a 2010 graduate of North Putnam High School and will attend Indiana University School of Dentistry in the fall.

"I plan to pursue a career in dental assisting," she said.

During high school, Megan was a Cougar mentor and a member of SADD and BPA. Her hobbies include photography, reading and scrapbooking.

She describes herself as an "outgoing person, who loves a good laugh and spending time with her family and friends." Her advice to younger people is always do what is right, even when others don't and always be yourself.

Megan chose to enter the contest because it is something she wanted to do ever since she was a little girl. "And I thought it would be a great way to end my 10th year in 4-H," she said.

When Megan's nephew Kyle passed away, it taught her to cherish each day like it was her last one, she said about the event most impacting her life. "It also taught me to never go to bed angry."

She admires her parents the most because they have taught her everything she knows. "And they have shown me that if you try your best and you are kind, you will go places in life."

Heather Nipper

Heather is 18 years old and resides in Bainbridge with her parents Danny and Barbara Nipper. Her brothers are David Nipper, David Brookshire and Jason Nipper. She is a 2010 North Putnam High School graduate and will attend Black Hawk College.

During high school, she was a member of FFA, 4-H, horse judging, the horse and pony club and horse showing. She was also a football manager and a member of IQHA and AHQA.

Her future plans include joining the Marines and horse training. Her hobby is horseback riding. She describes herself as outgoing, talkative and energetic.

Heather said her best advice to younger people is "to never give up and follow your dreams."

Kimber Plemons is the person Heather admires the most because she taught her to never quit and push through the hard times. Heather said running for the offices in FFA taught her how to be outgoing and gave her the drive to succeed.

Stephanie Berry

Stephanie is 20 years old and resides in Roachdale with her parents David and LaDonna Berry. She is the sister of two older siblings, Shannon Kinkead and Emily Bennington. Stephanie graduated in 2008 from North Putnam High School and currently attends the University of Indianapolis, where she is a sophomore.

During high school, Stephanie was a part of High School Heroes, National Honor Society, FFA and Cougar Showcase. In college, she belongs to Delta Delta Delta and Delta Darlings.

"I was recently accepted to the bachelor of science nursing program," she said. "I intend to further my education to become a nurse practitioner, specializing in pediatrics."

In the future, Stephanie looks forward to returning to Putnam County, raising a family and being active in her community. She describes herself as responsible, compassionate and caring.

"I am outgoing and strive to remain positive in all situations," she said.

Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, especially her niece and nephew. She also enjoys scrapbooking, working on table puzzles and spending time outside four-wheel riding and bonfires.

Her best advice to younger people regarding 4-H is "It's important to have fun. Pick a few projects and do them well, don't spread yourself too thin and ask for help and ask questions," she said. "That is how you learn."

In life, she said, "Do what you love and love what you do. Treat others how you would like to be treated."

When Stephanie was 16 years old, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

"Receiving this news changed my life forever," she said. "I had to become more responsible and understand the implications of this disease."

Stephanie said she admires her parents because they love and support her unconditionally. "I admire their determination in their marriage and commitment to work and raise a family."

She looks forward to the opportunity to participate in the Miss Putnam County Fair Queen contest.

"I believe it to be a great opportunity to represent a county I love," she said about the contest. "It's important that younger 4-H members have a positive role model."