Eight young women will be vying for the crown of Marion County Fair Queen early next month. In the running this year are Katie Douglas, Olivia Montgomery, and Katelynn Utterback, of Knoxville High School; Taylor Jennings of Pella High School; Alli Friday, Megan Linn, and Briana Samson, of Pleasantville High School; and Hannah Wilson of Melcher-Dallas High School. The competition takes place on Saturday, July 6th, with the public portion occurring at 7pm at First United Methodist Church.

Katie Douglas, Knoxville High School
Katie Douglas is the daughter of Cliff and Kathy Douglas of Knoxville, Iowa. Katie is involved in Student Senate and is president of Camera Club. Katie enjoys reading and loves focusing time on her art. She also plans to take time off this summer and spend it with her little brother, Dylan. Katie plans to major in fashion marketing.

Alli Friday, Pleasantville High School
Alli Friday is the daughter of Gary and Monica Friday of Pleasantville, Iowa. Alli is involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, Speech and Drama (currently historian), FFA (currently treasurer), 4-H (currently reporter), Band, Jazz band, Choir, Softball, Volleyball, Golf and serves as both the Basketball and Football manager. Alli’s favorite activities are playing sports and hanging out with friends and family. Alli’s future plans are to go to college and study ag communications and ag business.

Taylor Jennings, Pella High School
Taylor Jennings is the daughter of Treasa Vander Hart of Oskaloosa, Iowa formally of Pella, Iowa. Taylor is involved in 4-H and FFA. Taylor’s favorite activities are showing her two horses and dogs as well as spending time with her family and friends. Taylor plans to got to college for cosmetology and nail technician and later business management so she can open her own salon.

Megan Linn, Pleasantville High Schoool
Megan Linn is the daughter of Bo Linn and Shawna Linn of Milo, Iowa. Megan is involved in Pleasantville High School Choir and PHS Cheerleading, sings with her youth group and is a member of the Pleasantville Church of Christ, and has worked at the Tannery in Pleasantville for the past three years. Megan’s favorite activities are riding horses, camping, and being with family and friends. Megan plans on taking DMACC college courses and becoming a teacher’s aide her Junior year and is looking into the accounting or education fields after graduation.

Olivia Montgomery, Knoxville High School
Olivia Montgomery is the daughter of Tami and Marty Montgomery of Knoxville, Iowa. Olivia has been involved in wrestling, track, and 4-H. She currently works at Godfather’s and enjoys exercising and spending time with family and friends. Olivia’s plans after high school include going to DMACC or Indian Hills for a nursing degree then working on a specialist degree in occupational therapy.

Briana Samson, Pleasantville High School
Briana Samson is the daughter of Brian and Amanda Samson of Pleasantville, Iowa. Briana is involved in FFA, Choir and Church Youth Group. Briana’s favorite activities are dancing, singing, horseback riding, and working on the farm. Briana plans to attend Kirkwood University when she graduates majoring in animal science.

Katelynn Utterback, Knoxville High School
Katelynn (Katie) Utterback is the daughter of Darbie Utterback and Brian Utterback and has one younger brother, Joey. Katie is a recent graduate of Knoxville High School where she was involved in many activities including: Class Vice President, Student Ambassador, FFA Vice President, member of State FFA Choir, member of the concert choir, high school musicals, and manager for the varsity football and girls basketball teams. Outside of school, Katie served the past year as a State 4H Council member, is a Past-President of the Friendly Guys and Gals 4H Club and currently holds the office of reporter, is the President of County Council for Marion County, a member of the Octagon Club, and is an active member of Celebrate Church’s Youth Group. This fall, Katie will attend DMACC in Boone where she will begin her pursuit of a degree in Elementary Education, with an emphasis on Special Education. She will also be a member of the DMACC Women’s Basketball Team as their team manager.

Hannah Wilson, Melcher-Dallas High School
Hannah Wilson is the daughter of Wayde and Kelli Wilson of Knoxville, Iowa, and attends school at Melcher-Dallas. Hannah is involved in basketball, softball, track, football (as manager), National Honor Society, Battle of the Books, Dance team, FCCLA, 4-H, and FFA, where she is South Central District Reporter and chapter president. Hannah’s favorite activities are being outside, running, smiling, and spending time with her family and friends. Hannah plans to attend college where she will major in agriculture.
All photos via Treasured Portraits