2022 Queen Contest - from Contestant's Perspective

 Kaitlyn Patke
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​What was your favorite event from the Queen Contest and why?
My favorite event was the Day in Washington! It was  super  fun to do the scavenger hunt and decorate cookies with the girls and learn a little bit more about my hometown. 
 
Did you learn anything new during the process?
 Oh absolutely! In our first professional development, I learned how to write a proper thank you, what to include in a resume, and really good fashion tips. I know I will use these tidbits of information in my professional career. 
 
Did you develop any new friendships throughout the summer?
 Yes! I still keep in touch with most of the girls and we get together every once in a while. 
 
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking of entering the contest?
 Do it! Trust me, I am not the type of girl to put on a long formal dress and walk on a stage but I am so glad I did. I learned valuable lessons from local professionals and the Queen Mommas, made lasting friendships, and put myself in a good position to develop my professional career. 
 
Describe the Queen Contest Summer Experience in one word:
 Inspiring
 
Anything else you want to make sure we know?
Once you get to the interview, you will be shaking in your boots. Just know that it is normal to be nervous about something you care about. 

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Madeline Agee
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What was your favorite event from the Queen Contest and why?
 My favorite event was definitely the yoga at the riverfront. It was so fun getting to do yoga with Miss. Elaine while watching the Missouri River go by.
 
Did you learn anything new during the process?
 I learned so much during the process. I especially liked all the insight I gained from some of Washington’s own female entrepreneurs.
 
Did you develop any new friendships throughout the summer?
 I made so many new connections during the contest, both the fellow contestants and people around Washington.
 
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking of entering the contest?
 I would encourage everyone to do the fair queen contest. While I originally thought it was only a one night contest, it turned into an entire summer worth of experiences.
 
Describe the Queen Contest Summer Experience in one word:
 If I had to describe the fair queen contest in one word, I describe it as life-changing.

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Maria Hellebusch

What was your favorite event from the Queen Contest and why?
My favorite event from the queen contest was probably the day that we made cookies and did a scavenger hunt around downtown Washington! I loved getting to be creative and learn more about the girls while we spent time together!
 
Did you learn anything new during the process?
I loved the day of professionalism, because I learned so many new things about how to dress for an interview, and many interview tips and other hospitality tips that I never knew before! 
 
Did you develop any new friendships throughout the summer?
I made many new friends throughout the experience and I have gotten close with many of the girls because of spending time even outside of the planned events!  
 
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking of entering the contest?
I would say to try it out if you even consider doing it because it may become more than you could ever imagine! I would not have branched out as much as I did or had the opportunities I had if I didn’t try.  
 
Describe the Queen Contest Summer Experience in one word:
Amazing! 
 
Anything else you want to make sure we know?
I am so grateful for everyone that made the amazing experience happen and I can’t wait to be on the queen committee one day!

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