BATESVILLE — When Michaela Grunkemeyer heard her name announced as Miss Ripley County 2012, she started crying, but the July 15 crowd at the Damm Theater could only see the 17-year-old’s luminous smile.
The East Central High School senior’s win over 17 others “wasn’t much of a surprise” to Ripley County 4-H Fair Queen Pageant coordinator Becky Harmeyer, Batesville. “She has carried herself well from the beginning.”
The brown-eyed daughter of Dale and Linda Grunkemeyer reports the contest’s greatest challenge for her was “getting ready – all of the running around!”
When Grunkemeyer, who describes herself as “fun, energetic and charismatic,” was asked the onstage impromptu question “What can men learn from women?” she answered, “That women know everything.” The response earned laughs and wild applause.
After fair opening ceremonies Sunday, July 22, the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Morris, member looks forward to passing out ribbons to 4-H winners and “just talking to people” until its July 28 conclusion.
The four-year Morris Shamrocks 4-H Club member has two favorite projects, dairy feeder steer and shooting sports. She will keep the rural emphasis when she majors in either crop production or agricultural economics at Purdue University.
The Ruth Ann’s Hallmark Shop employee has a full summer. Just back from a Minnesota 4-H exchange trip, after the county fair she will help fellow FFA members set up the Indiana State Fair, then compete in its pageant at Pepsi Coliseum, Indianapolis, Aug. 19.
In addition to the contestants named to the court (please see photo), four other honors were handed out: best formal wear and People’s Choice (attendees voted with dollars, netting $262 for local food pantries), Suzanne Fiset, Versailles; best professional wear, Jessica Menchhofer, Holton; and best sock hop opening attire, Abbie Krieg, Batesville.
Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.
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