8 area girls competing in Peony Pageant

Van Wert independent/Peony Pageant information

Eight area high school senior girls will be competing for the title of Queen Jubilee XXXVI when the Peony Festival Pageant takes place Friday, April 1, starting at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 that evening.

Tickets are currently on sale at Derry Drugs for the pageant. Those competing in this year’s pageant include the following:

Renee Chen

Representing Van Wert High School is Renee Chen, daughter of Jerry and Barbara Chen. Renee has two siblings, Rachel and Ryan.

Renee is a member of student council, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Concert Choir and the Cougar girls’ tennis team.

During her leisure time, Renee enjoys being with family and friends, listening to music, drawing, reading and playing the flute and piano.

Renee will be attending college with a major in biology to pursue a career in medicine.

Mari Young

Representing Crestview High School is Mari Young, daughter of Sandy Young and the late Ned Young. She has an older sister Cassie Young.

Mari is a member of the Crestview cross country and track teams, band, is secretary of Student Council, is a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the school Mass Media program, Knight Vision show choir, DARE and was a representative to Buckeye Girls’ State.

She also has danced with Kim Hohman’s DanceWorks for 15 years and also is involved with the school musical. Mari has also received several awards, including a scholar-athlete designation and varsity letter, was a senator at Buckeye Girls’ State 2010, is a Junior Rotarian and was selected for the Blue and Red clubs.

During her leisure time, Mari enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She will be attending a four-year college majoring in psychology and dance therapy.

Lauren Holtsberry

Representing Wayne Trace High School is Lauren Holtsberry, daughter of Mark and Lisa Holtsberry. Lauren has two siblings, Chelsea and Nathan.

Lauren is a four-year varsity cheerleader and choir member, is a member of 4-H and a Junior Fair Board member, is enrolled in gymnastics at Flip/Tuck and is also a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

Lauren has received a number of awards including second place at Fairfield cheerleading competition and best advanced sewing award for two years in 4-H.

During her leisure time, Lauren enjoys being with family and friends, singing, cheerleading and sewing

Lauren will be attending the University of Northwest Ohio or the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind., majoring in nursing.

Amelia Wiseman

Representing Vantage Career Center is Amelia Wiseman, daughter of Keith and Penny Wiseman. Amelia has a brother, James.

Amelia is a member of the Van Wert High School cheerleading squad, Kim Hohman’s DanceWorks, Family, Community, Career Leaders of America (FCCLA), Vantage’s Interact Club, French Club and the VWHS yearbook staff.

Amelia has received several awards, including Renaissance Card, Goals Card and is on the VWHS honor roll.

During her leisure time, Amelia enjoys horseback riding, cheer and dance. Amelia will be attending Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne, majoring in photography.

Korey Boggs

Representing Delphos Jefferson High School is Korey Boggs, daughter of Scot and Michelle Boggs. Korey has two siblings, Kody and Kennedy.

Korey is a member of SADD, National Honor Society, Varsity Club, is a Junior Optimist, and a member of the varsity cheerleading and track and field squads. Korey has also been dancing for 15 years at Dancer by Gina studios.

Korey has also received several awards, including being on the honor roll, earning top honors in English, the Christy Award for cheerleading, an Optimist “student of the month” and is an Executive Committee member of National Honor Society.

During her leisure time, Korey enjoys dancing and teaching dance classes.

Korey will be attending the University of Dayton majoring in exercise physiology.

Hilary Ludwig

Representing Lincolnview High School is Hillary Ludwig, daughter of Jeff Ludwig and Kim Ludwig. Hillary has three siblings Brooks, Jordan and Hayden.

Hillary is a member of North Union Church, Spanish Club, Science Club, cheerleading, Drama Club, Beta Club, is choir vice president, a member of the Lincolnview Select Choir, a member of the Van Wert All Star Cheer Squad and 4-H.Hillary also dances at Kim Hohman’s DanceWorks.

Hillary received an award for top Spanish II student in 2010.

During her leisure time, Hillary enjoys babysitting, working at Sycamore Ice Cream, walking her dog and shopping with her friends.

Hillary will be attending Harrison College in Fort Wayne, majoring in medical assisting and surgical technology.

Abby Evans

Representing Parkway High School is Abby Evans, daughter of Rick and Karen Evans. Abby has two siblings, Alyssa Evans and Emily Hall.

Abby is a member of FFA, National Honor Society, 4-H, Science Club, Art Club, Student Council, the varsity golf and track and field teams and is a Friends of Rachel group leader.

Abby also has received several awards, including FFA State Degree, is treasurer of FFA, was named First- and Second-Team All-Midwest Athletic Conference, was FFA president, won a Panther Award and is a Student Council representative.

During her leisure time, Abby enjoys working on the family farm, raising steers, reading, golfing and spending time with family and friends.

Abby will be attending The Ohio State University majoring in agronomy and environmental science.

Kaitlin Relyea

Representing Paulding High School is Kaitlin Relyea, daughter of Jeff and Karen Relyea. Kaitlin has a sister, Kara Relyea, and a brother, Tyler Hamman.

Kaitlin is a member of the cheerleading squad and yearbook staff. She has been an office worker at school for the past two years. Kaitlin is also a lifeguard at the YMCA.

She has received a number of awards, including her varsity letter being named a scholar athlete.

During her leisure time, Kaitlin loves hanging out with friends and participating in a “sculpt and define” class at the YMCA.

Kaitlin will be attending Owens Community College majoring in x-ray technology.