Winneshiek County Fair Queen candidates named

Six young women will vie for the title of 2012 Winneshiek County Fair Queen.

Fair officials have announced the queen candidates are Brianna Carolan, Randi Jo Carolan, Laura Francois and Brittany Nelson of Decorah, Paula Kovarik of Calmar and Eleanor Jean Lofte of Ossian.

Brianna Lee Carolan is the 17 year old daughter of Brian and Shelly Carolan and Susan Carolan of Decorah. She will be a senior at Decorah High School in the fall. Brianna has been a 7 year member of the Hesper Helpers where she has served as President and Vice-President. She is on the Senior County Council and was on Jr. Council.

Randi Jo Carolan is the 16 year old daughter of Jarad and Wendy Carolan of Decorah. She will be a junior this fall at Decorah High School.  In FFA she has been part of the Conduct of Meetings team, Parliamentary Procedure team and is currently serving as chapter secretary. Randi has received awards like Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree and the highest chapter proficiency award for Dairy Placement. She has been in 4-H for almost 8 years. She is a member of the Burr Oak Blazing Builders club. At the fair she shows livestock, dogs, rabbits, and sheep, besides exhibiting in the community building.

Laura Francois is the 18 year old daughter of Nick and June Francois of Decorah.  She graduated from Decorah in May.  Laura has been a member of the Decorah Chiefs 4-H Club for 7 years.  In her club she has been president and club historian for multiple years.  As a member of the county Council Laura is current vice-president and has been council secretary. Awards in 4-H that she has received are 2011 Senior Volunteer award, and many awards for 4-H senior interviews. She has advanced to the Iowa State Fair in communications, food, sewing and clothing projects many times. Laura received the top 10 percent at the Iowa State Fair Awardrobe Clothing Event three times.

Paula Kovarik is the 18 year old daughter of Kevin and Carol Kovarik of Calmar.  She graduated from Turkey Valley Community School in May with Cum Laude Honors. She will be attending Iowa State University in the fall majoring in Agricultural Business and Agronomy.  Paula was the 2011 Winn Co Beef Princess and Turkey Valley Homecoming queen. She has been a very active member for 12 years of the Prairie Shooting Stars 4-H club where she is currently President. In 4-H she has won many local and state awards. In 4-H Paula is involved in community and tries to help out where ever possible.

Eleanor Jean Lofte is the 18 year old daughter of Adrian and Mary Eileen Lofte of Ossian. She will be a Senior at South Winneshiek in the fall. In 4-H Eleanor has had three offices and has projects such as sewing where she won the Northeast Iowa Sewing Guild award. Eleanor also shows swine at the fair.

Brittany Nelson is the 17 year old daughter of Mark and Cathy Nelson.  She will be a Senior this year at Decorah High School. Brittany is a member of the Washington Prairie Peppers as well as the Decorah FFA,.  In FFA she won awards like the chapter award, Conduct of Meetings, Parliamentary Procedure, and has attended 2 national conventions.