Text and Photos
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — In 2018, Ashley Irwin took the title of Miss Teen Kosciusko for the Kosciusko County 4-H Fair.

Five years later, she’s been named the Miss Kosciusko County fair queen.

Irwin, 21, Warsaw, received the distinction at the pageant on Saturday night, June 24, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds. She beat out three other contestants to preside over the fair, which runs from Sunday, July 9, through Saturday, July 15.

She called the honor “amazing.”

“This is probably one of the biggest honors that I could have gotten and I am so grateful for everyone that helped me get here,” she said. “I would like to thank everybody that’s been part of this pageant, all of the directors and especially my family for just being so loving and so supportive because it’s really helped me.”

Irwin, the daughter of Joe and Amy Irwin, will start her senior year at Indiana University Fort Wayne this fall. She’s working on her Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Her future career came up during her one-minute prepared speech during the pageant, one component of it.

“A nurse’s role is diverse as they educate and care for both patients and community members alike,” she said in part. “Nurses are compassionate (and) hard-working …They’re responsible for the workflow of patient care and ensure that their patients are receiving the best care possible.”

“Nursing is so much more than just about providing for basic needs,” she continued. “It’s about helping those who can’t help themselves in whatever way is necessary.”

Irwin shared how she’s had the opportunity to shadow good examples of nurses while in school.

“These nurses have taught me the importance of competent patient care as well as to love each one as though they’re a family member,” she said. “Building a connection to patients by showing empathy and meeting their expectations is a goal that I strive towards. I’m looking forward to soon making a mark on patients and leaving them with more than what they came in with.”

“I hope to touch the lives of all that I come in contact with as I know that they will surely touch mine,” she said.

Other parts of the competition included interview wear, an interview ahead of time with judges, theme wear and formalwear.

For her theme wear to go with the pageant’s theme of “An Evening in Paris,” Irwin dressed as an artist and carried Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.”

She wore a blue A-line gown with a sparkly belt, V-neck and spaghetti straps for her formalwear.

Irwin’s court includes first runner-up Amelia Ohneck, second runner-up Jasmine Fuller and third runner-up Shaylin Wilcox.

Miss Teen Kosciusko

Also crowned on Saturday was Miss Teen Kosciusko 2023 Olivia Fuller.

The 13-year-old daughter of Chad and Tara Fuller took the title on her first try over two other girls.

“It feels great,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d get here, but I’m glad I did.”

Fuller will attend eighth grade at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School in the fall.

The parts of the Miss Teen competition were the same as for Miss Kosciusko.

Fuller’s speech was on fear, sharing what some of her fears are and how she deals with them.

“In my opinion, the best way to face your fear is head on,” she said. “If you have a fear, go through the steps of understanding it and take the leap to control it.”

For her theme wear, Fuller dressed as a baguette, carrying bread with her in a basket. She wore an ice blue gown with a tulle skirt, lace applique and spaghetti straps for her formalwear.

Her court included first runner-up Karlee Clevenger and second runner-up Kayleena Igney.