Mann, Parent seek Fair Queen title

Thursday, July 8, 2010

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 two more of the contestants vying for the crown.

Courtney Mann

Courtney Mann

Courtney is 18 years old and resides in Cloverdale with her parents Robert and Malinda Mann. She has three siblings, Chelsey, Cameron and R.T. She is a 2010 graduate of Cloverdale High School and will attend Purdue University, where she will study agriculture economics.

During high school, Courtney participated in FFA, student council, Ambassadors, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Rosewater and Women's Ensemble. She is a member of Greencastle Christian Church and enjoys traveling, playing the piano, watching Purdue basketball and time with family and friends.

"I am a fun-loving, thoughtful and dedicated person," she said about herself. "I am reserved, but friendly and enjoy a challenge."

Her advice to younger people is to always enjoy life and never be afraid to be yourself. "Stay true to who you are and everything else will fall into place," she said.

Being involved in FFA and other student leadership clubs have greatly impacted her life, Courtney said. "I have gained many skills and have become a more confident person."

She most admires her 21-year-old sister Chelsea.

"Growing up I always looked to her for advice," said Courtney. "She has been a great example for me to follow on how to be an intelligent, poised and successful person."

Courtney chose to enter the Putnam County Queen Contest to try something new since it's her 10th year of 4-H. "I think participating will allow me to make great memories and meet many people," she said.

Dakota Parent

Dakota Kyleen Parent

Dakota is 18 years old and resides in Russellville with her parents Doug and Staci Parent. She is an older sister to 15-year-old Josie and 11-year-old Lyndi Parent. Dakota graduated in 2010 from North Putnam High School and will attend Purdue University, where she plans to study engineering.

"After starting a career, I would like to eventually start a family," she said of her future plans.

Dakota describes herself as a happy person who likes to laugh and have a good time. "But at the same time, I am serious, focused and work hard at achieving my goals," she said.

Her hobbies include running, scrapbooking, reading, swimming and dancing. "I also enjoy taking long walks on the beach," she said jokingly.

Dakota said she chose to enter the contest to meet new people and to gain confidence. "Also, I entered to complete my 4-H experience and I wouldn't mind having a pretty, sparkling crown," she said with a smile.

Her advice to younger people is "don't waste time worrying about how fast it all goes by because it is in those moments that time goes by the fastest. Live life!"

The addition of her two sisters has made her more understanding and patient, Dakota said. "But most of all, it has taught me that life is nothing without people you love to share it with."

She said she admires people who are confident in themselves, who radiate happiness and make others around them smile -- "so that would be my sisters and mom."

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