Cheyenne County Young Miss Presents
Moonlight Meadow
2026 Scholarship Competition
The Cheyenne County Young Miss program strives to boost self-esteem, build character, encourage educational value, motivate creativity, and stimulate competitiveness for college-bound Senior Girls.
Your 2026 Young Miss Contestants
Saint Francis High School
Eden Britton
Parents: Trevor and Michele Britton
Career Goal: Physical Therapist
College Choice: Fort Hays State
Favorites:
- TV Show: You
- Novel: Twisted Series
- Recording Artist: Lumineers
- Athlete: Shacarri Richardson
- Personality of the Past: Rosa Parks
- Personality of Today: Zach Bryan
Performing Arts Presentation: Dance Routine
Saint Francis High School
Audrina Fernandez
Parents: Jesus and Nikki Fernandez
Career Goal: Social Worker
College Choice: Washburn
Favorites:
- TV Show: Law and Order
- Novel: Happy Place
- Recording Artist: The Weekend
- Athlete: Travis Kelce
- Personality of the Past: Selena Quintanilla
- Personality of Today: Ashanti Douglas
Performing Arts Presentation: Cheer/Dance routine
Saint Francis High School
Paola Ramirez
Parents: Jesus and Teresa Ramirez
Career Goal: Physical Therapist
College Choice: Fort Hays State
Favorites:
- TV Show: Yellowstone
- Novel: The Notebook
- Recording Artist: Ivan Cornejo
- Athlete: Michael Jordan
- Personality of Today: Michael B Jordan
Performing Arts Presentation: Recitation in Spanish
Saint Francis High School
Avery Jensen
Parents: Travis Jensen and Amanda Moberly
Career Goal: Sports Nutritionist
College Choice: Texas Tech
Favorites:
- TV Show: Forever
- Novel: Twisted Series
- Recording Artist: Calvin Harris
- Athlete: Hazel Alevok
- Personality of the Past: Diana Francis Spencer
- Personality of Today: Ashley Hetherington
Performing Arts Presentation: Trombone Solo
Cheylin High School
Kyla Howard
Parents: Chris and Dana Howard
Career Goal: Veterinarian
College Choice: Mizzou
Favorites:
- TV Show: Cobra Kai
- Novel: Regretting You
- Recording Artist: Waylon Wyatt
- Athlete: Jen Smith
- Personality of the Past: Marie Curie
- Personality of Today: Spencer Barbosa
Performing Arts Presentation: Recitation of an original poem
Saint Francis High School
Breck Lohr
Parents: Justin and Brooke Lohr
Career Goal: Health and Wellness Instructor
College Choice: Fort Hays State
Favorites:
- TV Show: Outdoor Boys
- Novel: Where the Crawdads Sing
- Recording Artist: Treaty Oak Revival
- Athlete: Chesney Peterson
- Personality of Today: Brooke Lohr (mother)
Performing Arts Presentation: Vocal Solo
Saint Francis High School
Naomi Straub-Marquez
Parents: Ricardo and Heidi Marquez
Career Goal: Radiologist
College Choice: Colby Community College
Favorites:
- TV Show: Gilmore Girls
- Novel: The House of My Mother
- Recording Artist: Brandon Lake
- Athlete: Gabby Douglas
- Personality of the Past: Amelia Earhart
- Personality of Today: Simone Biles
Performing Arts Presentation: Recitation in Spanish
Cheylin High School
Alayna Carson
Parents: Dan and Dianna Carson
Career Goal: Forensic Psychologist
College Choice: Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Favorites:
- TV Show: King
- Novel: Girl in Pieces
- Recording Artist: Noah Kahan
- Athlete: Paige Buckers
- Personality of the Past: Princess Diana
- Personality of Today: Selena Gomez
Performing Arts Presentation: Recitation of an original poem
Young Miss 2025
Matilynn Smull
I am so thankful for the opportunity I have been given this past year, serving as 2025 Cheyenne County Young Miss. It has been an incredible experience that has provided me with many opportunities for growth and the ability to impact others. Not only did this program get me out of my comfort zone, but it has also boosted my confidence and proved I am capable of more than I realized.
I would like to thank all of the organizations, groups, and individuals who have made this program come to life. Thank you to all of the local businesses, restaurants, and other donors for your kindness, generosity, and involvement. Last but not least, I want to recognize Mandie Boone, Maddie Hendricks, Gaby Carmichael, Emily Loyd, and Taryn Pacheco for devoting so much of their time to making this the best possible experience. You have gone out of your way to make every one of us feel special.
To the next Cheyenne County Young Miss, have fun and never forget to be yourself!
I wish you the best of luck!
program
ORDER OF EVENTS
Music Prelude
Presentation of Flag
National Anthem
Opening Number & Parade of Contestants
Meet the Judges
Grace and Elegance Presentation (15% of overall score)
Special Performance
Introduction of Parents
Performing Arts Presentation (20% of overall score)
Special Performance
Endurance Presentation (15% of overall score)
Judges Retire
INTERMISSION
Presentation of Contestants Choice Award
Presentation of Academic Award
Presentation of Individual Interview Award
Presentation of Grace and Elegance Award
Presentation of Performing Arts Award
Presentation of Endurance Award
Presentation of Finalists
Presentation of Young Miss
MEET TONIGHTS EMCEE
John Simmonds
John grew up in McDonald, Kansas and is a graduate of Cheylin High School. After high school, John attended Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas where he lived for 10 years before moving his family back to Goodland in Northwest Kansas. John and his wife (Tara), take every chance they get to give back to the community. His list of hobbies is long, however, he finds the most joy bringing smiles to the faces of others.
Judge
Karissa Nelson
Karissa grew up in Garden City, Kansas before moving to Hays to continue her education at Fort Hays University. She majored in nursing and has been a registered nurse for 10.5 years now in a few different hospitals. Karissa worked as a NICU nurse in Kansas City for a few years after graduation, and then eventually moved back to Hays to be closer to family. She now works at HaysMed in the surgery department. Karissa is married to Peyton and they have two little girls, Emerson and Ella. When she isn’t working or chasing her kids around, Karissa enjoys spending time in her garden or reading.
Judge
Andrea Holzwarth
Andrea currently serves as the VP of Customer Operations & Sales Enablement with Project Lead the Way (PLTW). She focuses on breaking down internal and external barriers to support PLTW implementation and supports the PLTW team with enablement and training. Andrea is deeply passionate about ensuring equitable access to STEM and career learning opportunities for students nationwide. She earned her Bachelor of arts in Integrated Communication from Wichita State University and her Master of Business Administration from Friends University. Andrea is based in Kansas City and every Sunday in the fall you’ll catch her cheering on the Chiefs to another Super Bowl victory.
Judge
Dee Wellbrock
Dee was raised on a farm east of Ness City, Kansas and attended Bazine High School. After high school, she attended cosmetology school in Great Bend. She married Rick and they have three children: Jake, Andy, and Mallory. Dee has been a stylist for over 47 years and has owned Hairware & Company in Hays, Kansas with her business partner for 21 years. Most of her time is spent at the salon with her amazing coworkers. When Dee is not working, she likes to spend time with her nine grandchildren who all live near her.
Judge
Mallory Koerner
Mallory was born and raised in Hays, Kansas. She attended Fort Hays State University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in organized leadership. She now works in Hays at Assured Partners Insurance Group. Mallory is married to Josh and has three little girls, Carter, Charlie, and Austin. When she isn’t working, Mallory enjoys spending time with her family or playing softball.
Judge
Jan Crouse
Jan Crouse, a proud Atwood native, is the owner of Crouse Real Estate and JC&Co. Design and Gifts. With a background in design from the Colorado Institute of Art, she has made a name for herself through her entrepreneurial ventures. Jan enjoys a variety of hobbies, including golf, playing the accordion, interior design, and gardening. Along with her husband Sam, she has raised four children: Max Mickunas, Will Crouse, Amy Crouse, and Pete Crouse. Recently, Jan renovated a historic 1905 two-story storefront building in downtown Atwood into two beautiful apartments and two Airbnb units, revitalizing the area and providing a unique stay for visitors.
Cheyenne Count Young Miss Chairman:
Mandie Boone
Mandie is entering her third year as chairman of Cheyenne County Young Miss. This program has had a special place in her heart since she was crowned Cheyenne County Young Miss 2009.
Mandie is a successful business owner, mother of two (Karsen & Owen), wife (to Jared), daughter, and friend. The sacrifice she makes each year to support the contestants of Cheyenne County Young Miss is not something she takes lightly, and we are very grateful for her.
Mandie and her team would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the fantastic people who make this program possible. Mandie feels so blessed to live in such a kind and generous community that give through time, meals, donations, and support. To the next Cheyenne County Young Miss, I hope you find the experience as fulfilling and rewarding as I did. I wish you the best of luck!