Queen sweep

Homecoming queen.

Prom queen.

Fair queen.

Molly Muhlenkamp completed the trifecta Sunday evening as she was crowned the winner of the Miss Jay County Fair Queen Pageant in the auditorium at Jay County Junior-Senior High School.

“My heart dropped, but it was amazing,” said Muhlenkamp. “Big smiles."

Inara Sanderson finished as the first runner-up, with Makinsey Murphy as second runner-up and Hannah Laux as third runner-up. McKenna Vore repeated as Miss Congeniality to earn a spot on the court for the third year in a row.

The win made for a queen sweep for Muhlenkamp, who graduated from Jay County High School earlier this month. She was also crowned homecoming queen in September and prom queen in April.

Contestants were judged based on an interview with judges prior to Sunday evening as well as professional wear and formal wear competitions during the pageant.

There was also a new aspect to the competition this year. Rather than being asked an on-stage question, contestants were each given a word to respond to.

Muhlenkamp’s word: Charity.

She talked about going Christmas caroling with her Catholic Youth Organization. 

“That is one of my favorite events,” she said. “The smiles on their faces when we go are just irreplaceable and indescribable and so amazing.”

Muhlenkamp said her interview focused on her activities related to the fair and her plans after high school.

She will attend Ball State University to pursue a degree in health and exercise science: pre-physical therapy. She hopes to go on to earn a doctor of physical therapy degree and become a physical therapist.

Her interest started in human body systems class with Katie Daniels when they covered the physical therapy unit. 

“It really caught my attention because I love the fact that I can help people of all ages,” said Muhlenkamp.

She then had a job-shadow experience at Adams Physical Therapy in Portland.

“I just really fell in love with it,” she said.

Muhlenkamp was sponsored by Jay County FFA after being named 2024 FFA Sweetheart. During high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, served on student council and the student athletic advisory council and was a member of HOSA Future Health Professionals.

She was a member of the girls soccer, basketball and track teams. During her final two seasons, she served as a captain and helped lead the girls soccer team to a 22-8-2 record and the girls basketball team to a 45-5 record.

Muhlenkamp is a 10-year 4-H member and serves on the Jay County Junior Fair Board. She volunteers as a lector at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and was a senior officer for its youth group.

She is the daughter of Kerry and Katie Muhlenkamp. After completing her education, she plans to return to Jay County to raise a family.

This summer, Muhlenkamp is working as a lifeguard at Portland Water Park.

She shared some thoughts on her upcoming year as fair queen.

“I’m looking forward to being an inspiration for all the younger children,” said Muhlenkamp, “and eating fair food.”