Preliminary judging was held before the pageant. Three out-of-county individuals judged the contestants.
Director for the pageant is Bailey Hoover. The contestants spent the past weeks preparing for the pageant with rehearsals, mock judgings, club appearances and other events.

The new queen and her court will receive cash prizes. The queen will also receive a tiara, a dozen roses, a car for the week of the fair donated by the Jim Dobson auto dealership, a sash, and a queen’s pin for the year in memory of 1981 Miss Pulaski County Sharon Powers. The new queen will also compete for the title of Miss Indiana State Fair on Aug. 22. The runners-up also receive varied gift certificates, a tiara and a sash.

The pageant is made possible through the sponsorship of many local clubs and area merchants.

The nine contestants in the 2010 Miss Pulaski County Pageant were the following:

Samantha Rife, 18, is sponsored by Rife Heavy Duty. She is the daughter of Jeff and Dawn Rife of Star City. She is a 2010 graduate of Winamac Community High School. While in high school, Samantha was active in choir, drama club, many sports, and Sunshine Society. She will attend Ball State University to major in elementary education and fashion merchandising. She hopes to be an elementary school teacher or a fashion designer in the future.

Samantha Mollencupp, 18, is sponsored by Good Oil. She is the daughter of Ed and Teresa Mollencupp of Kewanna. She is a 2010 graduate of Winamac Community High School. While in school she was active in several groups including student council, Sunshine Society, FFA, and SADD. She also participated in sports and walks for cystic fibrosis. She will attend Ivy Tech to major in secondary education. She hopes to pursue a career as a high school teacher.

Amanda Nester, 17, is sponsored by D-1 Truck and Trailer Repair. She is the daughter of Dale and Carrie Nester of Francesville. She will graduate from West Central High School in 2011. She is involved in Sunshine Society and FCA. She also participates in volleyball, track, and cheerleading. Upon graduation, Amanda would like to attend college to major in fashion. She would someday like to start her own fashion magazine in California.

Whitney Schmicker, 18, is sponsored by Patchwork Pals ‘76. She is the daughter of Todd and Michelle Schmicker of Winamac. She is a 2010 graduate of Winamac Community High School. While in high school, she was active in basketball and softball and also participated in many clubs such as Sunshine Society, color guard, and 4-H. Whitney will attend the University of Indianapolis to major in nursing. She plans to become a nurse practitioner and wants to make a difference in people’s lives.

Alyshia Wireman, 17, is sponsored by Ephraim Farm. She is the daughter of Denise Lindstrand of Winamac. She will graduate from Winamac Community High School in 2011. She currently participates in SADD, Key Club, drama club, and Sunshine Society where she is also the president. Alyshia hopes to attend Ivy Tech and major in business. She hopes to someday own her own fashion business.

Margaret Stacy Gudas, 18, is sponsored by Dr. Dennis Cowley & Dr. Jennifer Gudas of Complete Family Eye Care. She is the daughter of Arthur and Margaret Gudas of Kewanna. She is a 2010 graduate of Winamac Community High School. In high school, she participated in many clubs including National Honor Society, student council, Key Club, and Sunshine Society. She is an avid runner and helped to plan the 4-H 5K. She will attend Purdue University to major in retail management. She hopes to one day have her own bridal boutique.

Jordan Brandt, 18, is sponsored by JP Lawncare and Landscaping. She is the daughter of Jeff and Tammy Brandt of Monterey. She is a 2010 graduate of Winamac Community High School. While in high school she participated in FFA, SADD, the livestock judging team, volleyball, track and basketball. She will attend St. Xavier University  to play basketball and major in elementary education. She hopes to teach kindergarten and coach a girls basketball team.

Jenna Linback, 18, is sponsored by Don Linback Construction. She is the daughter of Donald and Laurel Linback of Winamac. She is a 2010 graduate of Winamac Community High School. While in high school she participated in SADD, drama club, Sunshine Society, and cheerleading. She will attend IUPUI to major in dental assisting. She hopes to work in the dental profession in the future.

Amillie Davenport, 19, is sponsored by Murray Law Office. She is the daughter of Russell and Lisa Labuda of Winamac. She is a 2009 graduate of West Central High School. While in high school, Amillie was involved in cheerleading and softball. She was the 2008 homecoming queen and prom princess at West Central. Amillie attends Ivy Tech where she majors in radiology. She hopes to own her own animal recreation center in the future.