Resounding yes

Opportunities start with the word ‘yes.’

That’s the perspective new Miss Jay County Fair Queen Gretchen Link brings to the Jay County Fair this year.

“I encourage all of you to accept each new opportunity with a generous ‘yes,’ because you never know what could positively affect your life,” said Link during the Miss Jay County Fair Queen pageant on Sunday, utilizing the word she drew on stage as part of the competition.

Link and eight others competed Sunday in the pageant at Jay County Junior-Senior High School. Joining Link on the court were first runner-up Daisy Muhlenkamp, second runner-up Jasmine Esparza, third runner-up Maisey Keller and Miss Congeniality Courtney Harris.

    Pictured is the 2025 Miss Jay County Fair Court. From left are third runner-up Maisey Keller, first runner-up Daisy Muhlenkamp, Miss Jay County Gretchen Link, second runner-up Jasmine Esparza and Miss Congeniality Courtney Harris. (The Commercial Review/Bailey Cline)

“I would just love to say how proud I am to be a part of this community and how supportive Jay County is,” Link said. “I am just so grateful to be representing this county.”

Link graduated as part of the 50th class of Jay County High School this year, serving as senior class president as well as vice president of Jay County FFA. She was also a National Honor Society member, student council officer and varsity tennis player.

Link will attend Ball State University in the fall to study exercise science, with plans to become an occupational therapist.

Her other activities include serving as cantor at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and as a student leader for CYO. She’s currently working at Sonoco Protective Solutions and helping out with her family’s excavation business.

“I’m just feeling excited and overwhelmed,” Link said. “It’s just so validating. I’ve come so far in my journey with confidence and just figuring out who I am, and this is for sure setting in place that my work has just really paid off.”

Molly Muhlenkamp, Miss Jay County 2024, shared a few words with the crowd Sunday before taking her final walk. Part of her speech included advice to the next Miss Jay County.

“To the next queen, this is your moment,” she said. “You’re about to enter a chapter filled with early mornings, sparkly outfits and conversations that will change you. My advice: say yes to as much as you can."