Introducing the 2024 GJCF Queen candidates…

     Seven young ladies from throughout Jones County are vying for the title of 2024 Great Jones County Queen.

   In roughly two weeks, these young women will be standing on stage at the GJCF, Tuesday, July 16, awaiting the announcement.

   The GJCF Queen Contest will take place on Sunday, July 7, at the Jones County Youth Development Center, beginning at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

   During the contest, the candidates will introduce themselves, perform a skit based on “What the GJCF Means to Me,” take part in a formalwear presentation, and answer random questions while on stage.

   The crowning of the 2024 GJCF Queen, Princess, and Miss Congeniality will be July 16, at 6 p.m. during Sneak-A-Peak night at the fair.

   Here are the candidates…

Myra Wilson

   Wilson is the daughter of Wes and Kelly Wilson.

   She will be a senior at Monticello High School in the fall. She’s been involved in dance, softball, and National Honor Society throughout high school. While in NHS, Wilson held an officer position. She has been awarded for her academic achievements throughout her high school career.

   Wilson’s hobbies including spending time with friends and family, dancing for a competitive team, going to sporting events, and working with kids.

   After high school, she plans to study nursing.

Annie Schlarmann

   Schlarmann is the daughter of Dave and Sue Schlarmann.

   She will be a senior at Monticello High School this fall. Throughout high school, she had been active in basketball, golf, dance, and drama. She will also be a cheerleader this fall. Schlarmann has been dancing with Almost Famous Dance since she was 4 years old. She was a member of Clover Kids 4-H for four years, and Scotch Grove Challengers 4-H Club for six years. While in high school, she earned her Silver Service Cord for over 300 community service hours.

   She enjoys working at Cobblestone Inn & Suites and St. John’s Daycare. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family, boating and fishing, and playing cards with her grandparents.

   Following high school graduation, Schlarmann plans to attend Kirkwood Community College to earn a certificate to be a classroom associate.

Sarah Dietsch

   Dietsch is the daughter of Megan and Jerry Dietsch.

   She currently is an honor roll student at Lisbon High School. She also has been involved in many activities, such as softball, volleyball, club volleyball, basketball, track and field, speech, choir, drama, concert band, marching band, jazz band, student council, prom committee, the Be Original 4-H Club, Jones County Youth Council, and AmeriCorps, most of which she had held leadership positions. These include drum major in marching band, team captain in club volleyball, president of her 4-H, and more. She has also received division I’s every year throughout her high school career for marching band, concert band, jazz band, and at solo and ensemble contests on the tenor saxophone.

   Dietsch enjoys baking, swimming, face painting, volunteering, and helping plan the Great Jones County Fair.

   After high school, she plans to attend Monmouth College for arts and marketing.

Kendall Siebels

   Siebels is the daughter of Nikki and Darin Siebels.

   She will be a senior this fall at Monticello High School. Throughout high school, she has been involved in student council, National Honor Society, FFA, speech and drama, as well as soccer and various other activities. She enjoys the challenge of leadership positions such as soccer captain and being a class representative. One of her biggest passions is Students Opposed to Drugs and Alcohol (SODA), and plans to travel to neighboring schools to speak to other students and even state lawmakers.

   In her free time, Siebels is an avid University of Michigan Wolverines fan and loves to watch sports with her family. She also enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with friends.

   After high school, she plans to obtain a degree in psychology with a minor in legal studies.

Alyssa Wickman

   Wickman is the daughter of Amy and Alan Wickman.

   She will be a senior at Monticello High School. Throughout her years in high school, she has been involved in choir, bowling, National Honor Society, Campfire, FFA, and Jones County Youth Beef Team, as well as a Jones County Beef Ambassador Finalist two years in a row. Wickman has been on the FFA officer team for three years and has held the positions of Middle School Activity Coordinator, treasurer, and is the current president.

   In her free time, she enjoys babysitting, sewing, crafting, boating, camping, and being outdoors.

   After graduating, she plans to attend Kirkwood Community College for two years before transferring to Mount Mercy University to pursue her dream of becoming a lower elementary school teacher.

Addison Appelhans

   Appelhans is the daughter of Matt and Katy Appelhans.

   She is going to be a senior this fall at Anamosa High School. She is involved in National Honor Society, student council, County Council, 4-H, FFA, wrestling, and Jones County Youth Beef Team. She has had the opportunity to serve in many officer positions for her 4-H club, Jackson Wise Owls, and is currently honored to be serving as president. Recently, Appelhans was nominated for the National Council of Youth Leadership Award.

   When she has the opportunity to enjoy some free time, a few of her favorite things to do are spend time with her amazing friends and wonderful family, showing and working with her cattle, helping on her family’s farm, and playing with her dog, Murphy.

   Upon graduation, Appelhans plans to attend Iowa State University to study animal science, and someday become a large animal vet.

Dani Gravel

   Gravel is the daughter of Steph Hora and Trent Gravel.

   She will be starting her senior year this fall at Anamosa High School. She is also enrolled in Kirkwood Community College classes. She’s been involved in many different activities while in high school, including National Honor Society, National Council of Youth Leadership, FFA (currently serving as the sentinel), 4-H (where she currently serves as vice president), Jones County Youth Beef Team, basketball, cheer, and football team manager. She’s been actively engaged in her community and achieved high academic performance. Gravel has been on the Honor Roll throughout high school. She was also recently on Kirkwood’s Dean’s List. She earned her Silver Service Cord through lots of volunteer work.

   In her free time, she enjoys spending time on the farm, going for trail rides, reading, swimming, raising her puppy Hayes, and hanging out with friends and family.

   After high school Gravel plans to major in radiology at an undecided college.