FORT LORAMIE — Six contestants will compete for he 2016 Miss Independence crown on Friday, July 1. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the entertainment tent at the Fort Loramie Liberty Days Festival. It is free and open to the public. Contestants in this year’s contest include:
• Samantha Bensman, 18, daughter of Mark and Jeanine Bensman; sponsored by Fort Loramie Fire Department.
• Taylor Ernst, 17, daughter of David and Jenny Ernst; sponsored by Fort Loramie Booster Club.
• Holly Frey, 18, daughter of Ron and Pam Frey; sponsored by Fort Loramie Community Service Club.
• Megan Maurer, 17, daughter of Jim and Linda Maurer; sponsored by G.Y.M. Committee.
• Marissa Riethman, 17, daughter of Mark and Diane Riethman; sponsored by Fort Loramie Chamber of Commerce.
• Kayla Rosengarten, 17, daughter of Charlie and Renee Rosengarten; sponsored by St. Michael Youth Ministry.
Preliminary judging was held Monday, June 27, at the Wilderness Trail Museum. At the preliminary event, the contestants were given a private interview by the judges. They were evaluated on their poise and self-confidence, their responses to questions as well as their Patriotism Project.
A project may be a community service project, something they’ve learned about in school, or any topic the contestant can relate to patriotism. The Patriotism Projects will be on display during the duration of the festival in the central tent.
The pageant will continue on Friday evening with the live stage event in which the 2016 Miss Independence will be crowned. The new queen will receive a $1,000 scholarship and will reign over the Liberty Days Festival held on July 1, 2, and 3.
