Queen hopefuls and mothers attend Tea
Seven contestants to vye for Miss Ripley County
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Seven girls and their mothers were invited to the Annual Queen's Tea. The event was held last Wednesday, June 22, at the home of Louann Menchhofer near Osgood.

The contestants will attend a preparation meeting on June 30, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ripley County Extension Office. The Queen Pageant will be held July 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopewell Baptist Church. Then on Sunday, July 24, the Queen and her court will be announced at the Ripley County 4-H Fair.

Contestants include:

Ashley Carpenter of Osgood, the daughter of Bob and Lorri Carpenter. She attends Jac-Cen-Del High School and is involved in the Sunshine Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, German Club, Students Against Drunk Driving, and the Art Club. Her sponsor is Odyssey Full Service Salon, Inc.

Brittany Ertel of Osgood, is the daughter of James and Deborah Ertel. She attends Jac-Cen-Del High School. She is involved in the Sunshine Society, FFA, Dance Team, Softball, and 4-H. Her sponsor is Up-Top Roofing & Construction.

Jessica Geisler of Versailles, is the daughter of John and Lisa Geisler. She is a sophomore at Purdue University studying Agriculture Education. Activities she is involved in include: Sisters of the Harvest Moon, Indiana Association of Agricultural Educators- Purdue, Collegiate 4-H, Indiana Young Farmers, College of Agriculture Ambassador. Her sponsor is Konradi & Associates Insurance.

Meagan Hicks of Batesville, is the daughter of Bart and Elaine Hicks. She is a sophomore at Ball State University preparing for a career in Social Work. She is involved in 4-H, and activities at St. Maurice Catholic Church. Her sponsor is KB Specialty Foods Co.

Angela Hildebrand, Osgood, is the daughter of Chris and Kay Lemen. She attends Jac-Cen-Del High School. Activities include: National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Youth Group, Pep Band, Academic Team, Drama Club. Her sponsor is Magic Touch Floral & Greenhouse.

Jenna Menchhofer of Osgood, is the daughter of Glen and Joan Menchhofer. She is a junior at Purdue University majoring in Interior Design. Activities include: Catholic Youth Organization, Sigma Alpha Sorority, Indiana Association of Agricultural Educators - Purdue, Sisters of the Harvest Moon, National FFA Organization, and 4-H. Her sponsors include Kev's Trucking, Full Pull Sled Rental, Creative Memories: Veronica Menchhofer.

Summer Yelton of Versailles, is the daughter of Patty Yelton-White. She is attending Ivy Tech State College pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is involved in FFA. Her sponsor is Kreative Kids Learning Center.

Last year's Miss Ripley County, Courtney Vollmer was also on hand at the Queen's Tea. She is the daughter of John and Pamela Vollmer of Osgood.

JENNIFER ROGERS PHOTO

2005 Ripley County Queen Contestants are pictured from left: Summer Yelton, Meagan Hicks, Jessica Geisler, Brittany Ertel, Miss Ripley County 2004 Courtney Vollmer, Angela Hildebrand, Ashley Carpenter, and Jenna Menchhofer.