Fort Atkinson girl named 2013 Iowa Dairy Princess

Mariah Schmitt of Fort Atkinson

18-year-old Mariah Schmitt from Fort Atkinson was crowned the 60th Iowa Dairy Princess during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines Wednesday night.

Schmitt is the daughter of Carl and Terry Schmitt of Fort Atkinson.  She represented Winneshiek County at Wednesday night's ceremony.  Mariah was also named Miss Congeniality in the contest.  In the fall, she will attend Iowa State University majoring in dairy science and public service and administration in agriculture.

Schmitt will spend the year serving as a goodwill ambassador for Iowa's dairy farmers.  Throughout her year-long reign she will make public appearances to connect with consumers and help them understand the role of dairy farm families.

The outgoing Iowa Alternate Dairy Princess is Karla Hageman, the daughter of Alan and Ruth Hageman of Decorah. The outgoing Iowa Dairy Princess is Logan Worden, the daughter of Dennis and Joan Worden of Oelwein.  Their reigns will be completed at the end of the Iowa State Fair, and the new Princess and Alternate Princess will begin their duties on September 1st.

The announcement is made

Newly-crowned Iowa State Dairy Princess Mariah.Schmitt of Fort Atkinson and outgoing Iowa State Alternate Dairy Princess Karla Hageman from Decorah (Photo courtesy of Ruth Hageman)(Click on photo for larger image)