2017 Fair Queen Contestants

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Ten young women will vie for the title of 2017 Miss Putnam County Fair Queen on Saturday, July 15. The contest will take place at 7 p.m. in the Fairgrounds Community Building.

At night’s end, 2016 Queen Lauren Johnston will crown the 2017 Fair Queen, and thus will begin her preparations for her weeklong reign of the 2017 Putnam County Fair, which is set for July 21-28.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5.

Besides her duties at the Putnam County Fair, the queen will represent Putnam County throughout the coming 12 months, including at the State Fair Queen Pageant this winter, at which the 2018 State Fair Queen will be chosen.

Below are the stories of the 10 ladies hoping to be the 2017 Miss Putnam County Fair Queen.

Kaelynn Abner

Kaelynn Abner

The daughter of Monica and Tom Abner, Kaelynn Abner, 18, of Bainbridge, is a 2017 North Putnam High School graduate. She plans to attend the University of the Cumberlands to study physical therapy.

“I am majoring in physical therapy hoping to work with children who are disabled,” Kaelynn said. “I then plan to open an after-school homework building that will allow children to get help and have a quiet place to do their homework.”

Kaelynn has participated in Crafty Cougars, vet science, cats, archery, creative writing, fine arts and consumer clothing, and won Grand Champion cat and Best of Breed at the state fair in 2015.

She is sponsored by Dr. Jean Holder, Bee Windows and Murray Painting.

Kelsey Nees

Kelsey Nees

The daughter of Michael and Jamie Nees, Kelsey Nees, 18, of Cloverdale, is a 2017 graduate of Cloverdale High School. She has three siblings: Michaela (14), Andrea (12) and Andrew (12).

She plans to attend Purdue University for agribusiness and animal sciences.

“One of my goals for my future is to work in the marketing or management side of agriculture,” Kelsey said. “I would also like to make a career out of raising and training service animals. I would like to do this because I have a passion to help people and this would be a way for me to not only connect with animals but people as well.”

She has participated in the Lucky Clovers 4-H Club, photography, swine, sewing wearable and non-wearable, dairy, cake decorating, fine arts, cooking, scrapbooking, vet science and weather. She enjoys drawing, painting, crafting, DIY projects and working with animals.

She is sponsored by the Cloverdale Agri-Center.

Kendra Sutherlin

Kendra Sutherlin

The daughter of Ronald and Alana Sutherlin, Kendra Sutherlin, 19, of Greencastle, is a 2016 graduate of Greencastle High School. She has two siblings: Dillon (15) and Riley (deceased 2014).

She is employed as a vet assistant at the Animal Medical Clinic and as a animal handler at the University of Illinois Department of Research. She curently attends the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana for animal sciences with a pre-vet concentration.

“I hope to attend vet school,” Kendra said, “and become a veterinarian in a mixed practice, start a family, travel and perform mission work.”

She has participated in swine, dog, gardening and photography. She enjoys reading, listening to music, playing the flute and piano, singing, playing with her dogs and spending time with family and friends.

She is sponsored by the Animal Medical Clinic (Dr. and Mrs. Scamahorn), Cedar View Farm and her grandparents.

Michayla Sanders

Michayla Sanders

The daughter of Phillip and Michelle Sanders, Michayla Sanders, 19, of Cloverdale, is homeschooled. She has five siblings: Robby (29), Benjamin (28), Jennifer (28), Christin (26) and Philisha (17).

She is employed at Starbucks and will attend Ivy Tech for nursing.

“After completing my program, I plan to start a career as an OB nurse in a hospital,” Michayla said. “I plan to eventually settle down, get married and raise a family of future 4-H’ers.”

She has participated in sewing, cooking, photography, microwave cooking, fine arts, floriculture, goats and cake decorating. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding ATVs, taking care of the farm, playing the piano and singing.

She is sponsored by Sanders Contracting, Andy Sutherlin Excavating and Ferrand Farms.

Hannah Cunningham

Hannah Cunningham

The daughter of Jay and Sandra Cunningham, Hannah Cunningham, 18, of Greencastle, is a 2016 graduate of Greencastle High School.

She is employed at JTN Services and Pizza King, and currently attends IUPUI for nursing.

“My future plans are to graduate from IUPUI in 2020 as a registered nurse,” Hannah said. “Then hopefully land a job at Riley Hospital for Children.”

She has participated in rabbits, cake decorating, photography, scrapbooking, food preservation and microwave cooking. She enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog, Oakley, shopping, reading and traveling.

She is sponsored by Denny’s Excavating, JTN Services and J & J Drainage.

Rachel Sutherlin

Rachel Sutherlin

The daughter of David and Hope Sutherlin, Rachel Sutherlin, 19, of Greencastle, is a 2016 graduate of Cloverdale High School. She has two siblings: Andrew (20) and Ryan (17).

She is employed by Shurrtop Ranch and Sutherlin Cattle, and will attend Lakeland College for agriculture production and management.

“Within a few years after graduating from college, I would like to acquire my own herd of cattle,” Rachel said. “Combining the knowledge I have gained from my schooling, and from the experienced cattlemen and -women that I have worked with, I would like to focus on growing my operation to be a successful breeding/high-grade meat producer.”

She has participated in beef and swine. She enjoys painting, drawing and working outside. In 2013, she was the Indiana Junior Angus Association Princess.

She is sponsored by JAMRR Excavating.

Katlyn Rector

Katlyn Rector

The daughter of Brad and Kristie Rector, Katlyn Rector, 19, of Fillmore, is a 2017 graduate of South Putnam High School. She has one sibling: Brandon (15).

She is employed at HMSB Insurance, and will attend the University of Southern Indiana for radiology.

“I like taking pictures of the landscapes around me,” Katlyn said. “Another hobby I have is crocheting scarves. I would love to travel and study abroad.”

She has participated in Snappers 4-H club, photography, health, rabbits and cake decorating.

She is sponsored by Hayes, Murphy, Sharp and Brackney Insurance-Agent Amy Clark and Williams Custom Caulking.

Bailey York

Bailey York

The daughter of Roy and Malinda York, Bailey York, 19, of Greencastle, is a 2016 graduate of Greencastle High School. She has two siblings: Dustin (24) and Hannah (17).

She is employed at Starbucks, and will attend Indiana State University for elementary education.

“Once I finish my education,” Bailey said, “I’d like to find a job teaching children, get married and have a family of my own.”

She has participated in ceramics, foods, food preservation, latch hook, drawing, goats, home environment, ATV safety and scrapbooking. She enjoys working with kids, painting, spending time with family and friends, shopping, eating ice cream, watching “Grey’s Anatomy,” scrapbooking and cheerleading. She was named Putnam County’s Jr. Director for 4-H camp in 2016.

She is sponsored by Criss Construction and the S&W Feed Center.

Clare Plamondon

Clare Plamondon

The daughter of Russell and Stacey Plamondon, Clare Plamondon, 19, of Cloverdale, is a 2016 graduate of Cloverdale High School. She has one sibling: Paige (17).

She is employed at Buffalo Wild Wings and Scotty’s Brewhouse, and will attend Ball State University for hospitality and food management.

“I plan on receiving my Bachelor of Science degree from the wonderful Ball State University,” Clare said, “and working as an international flight attendant.”

She has participated in dog, metal craft, fine arts and collections. She enjoys horse racing, traveling, running, spending time with family and friends, makeup design and French cooking. She was an indoor state qualifier for track and a regional qualifier for cross country.

She is sponsored by Russ’s Custom Welding, Mann Farms and Laural Mann Photography.

Bronwyn Spencer

Bronwyn Spencer

The daughter of Ronald and Duston Spencer, Bronwyn Spencer, 18, of Fillmore, is a 2017 graduate of North Putnam High School.

She is employed at Harvest by Red Barn Farms, and will attend Purdue University for social studies education with a minor in global studies.

“After graduation, I hope to start my teaching career back in one of the local county schools and influence the students of the county like my teachers influenced me,” Bronwyn said. “After getting on my feet, I hope to travel and eventually end up teaching in another country so I can teach others about the world while I am learning about a different society and culture.”

She has participated in beef cattle, swine and photography. She enjoys reading, watching movies, listening “and singing very loudly” to music, traveling, baking, meeting new people and spending time with family and friends.

She is sponsored by Pace Electric.

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  • Such incredible pulchritude.

    -- Posted by donantonioelsabio on Wed, Jul 12, 2017, at 3:32 PM
  • And they're good looking, too!

    -- Posted by Ben Dover on Thu, Jul 13, 2017, at 7:34 PM
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