McKenna D’Arcy was crowned the 2014 Queen of Lakes at the Mermaid Festival Saturday evening. (Photo by Deb Pattrson)

McKenna D’Arcy, Goshen,”Miss Dewart Lake” daughter of Kevin and Sharlyn D’Arcy, was crowned the 2014 Queen of Lakes Saturday evening in North Webster.

“I’m completely shocked. I wasn’t expecting to be named queen,” stated D’Arcy. The 2014 Concord High School graduate stated this gets her one step closer to college expenses. “I’m so excited about the opportunity of meeting new people.”

D’Arcy will be attending Indiana Wesleyan University with a major in elementary education and a minor in music.

Serving on the queen’s court are Alexis Linnemeier, “Miss Camelot Lake,” daughter of Will and Becky Linnemeier, Milford, as first runner-up. Second runner-up is Kaytlyn Eberly, “Miss Lake Papakeechie,” daughter of Scott and Darla Eberly, North Manchester; and third-runner-up is Jenna Coy, “Miss Wawasee,” daughter of Allen and Sherri Coy.

Yet these four were not the only winners.

The 2014 Queen of Lakes Court are Alexis Linnemeier, first runner up, Queen of Lakes McKenna D’Arcy, Katlyn Eberley, second runner-up and Jenna Coy, third runner-up. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

There was a tie for the Lady Lions Club Community Service Award. Jasmine Ensz, “Miss Waubee Lake” and Audie Parsons, “Miss Webster Lake” were recipients of the $100 cash prize. Eberley was chosen by her peers as recipient of the “Miss Congeniality” award. Abigail Schmucker, “Miss Sechrist Lake” was the winner of the “People’s Choice Theme Wear” award.

Winning the Queen’s Conveyance awards were Aarika Olenik, “Miss Ridinger Lake” first; Eberley, second; and Tessa Riley “Miss Webster Lake II” third. Prizes of $750, $500 and $250 will be received by each winner.

The final four were chosen from the 17 contestants vying for the title. During the on-stage interview, each of the four were asked: “What qualities do you think you possess that would make you a good role model for girls?”

This question allowed judges to make their final decision for the queen and her court.

The queen’s response: “I think some of the qualities I possess is I am extremely outgoing, so it is telling girls it’s OK to talk to other people, it’s OK to talk to strangers, make friends. Another quality I think I possess is a reliability. I have the ability to listen to people and find ways to connect with them. I think in order to be a good Queen of Lakes you need to be able to relate to all kinds of people from all backgrounds.”

Kayla Courtney, the 2013 Queen of Lakes, provided words of advice to the contestants and girls in general.”It is important for you and other girls to find confidence and pride. It makes you unique,” she stated. “It’s not easy to get on stage and be scored against your peers. Each one is a winner … I learned my first year, it’s not about who takes home the crown, it’s who you share your beautiful life with.”

Courtney noted the things she learned through participating in the pageant, confidence achieved, friendships. Reflecting back she noted her biggest surprise was winning the title following a long weekend from taking a chemistry exam the day before and returning a year later, having people recognize her. “I felt like a celebrity.”

She thanked the Milford Lion’s Club for giving her the opportunity to compete in the contest for two years and her parents whose support has showered her her whole life. She also thanked North Webster. “It has been an honor to represent you as your queen. I will be passing the title on to someone worthy.”

Many of the contestants noted the person or persons who inspired them the most were parents, grandparents or someone she had met in their life.