The 2017 Mermaid Cutie Contest Crowned New Royalty
NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster created a new royal family last night at the 2017 Cutie Contest.
The competition was fierce with 18 boys and 27 girls all smiling for the chance to be Cutie King or Queen.
After a brief deliberation, the judges crowned Maddox Fatchett, son of Megan Shortill, Syracuse, and McKinley Murphy, daughter of David and Brittney Murphy, Churubusco, as this year’s Cutie King and Queen.
The third runner-ups were Noah Scott-Cavender, son of Alona Kitchens, Winona Lake, and Lilliana Frank, daughter of Chris and Rhonda Frank, North Webster.
The second runner-ups were Bracken Thomas, son of Amber Thomas, Milford, and Kourtney Caldwell, daughter of Anthony and Kelsey Caldwell, North Webster.
The first runner-ups were Andyn McClane, son of Ryan and Alissa McClane, Goshen, and Brynn VanLaeken, daughter of Michael and Cheryl VanLaeken, Kimmell.
Also awarded at the contests were the winners from the Cutie Parade, held on Wednesday, June 21.
In the hand-drawn category, Hadley Granger, daughter of Matt and Megan Granger, Syracuse, won first place. In second was Gabriel Chichester, son of Donald Chichester and Kelsey Caldwell, North Webster. In third place Brystal Bower, daughter of Joel and Racheal Bower, Leesburg. In fourth was Laurel Szynal, daughter of John and Jennifer Szynal, Syracuse.
In the walking category, Livia Pilcher, daughter of Blake and Katrina Pilcher, Warsaw, won first place. In second was Thatcher Paschal, son of Paul and Beth Paschal, Pierceton. In third was Lyndon Shultz, son of Jesse and Renee Shultz, Akron. In fourth was Rianna Keim, daughter of Brian and Rinnapa Keim, Jupiter, Florida.
In the motorized category, Ellie Kopkey, daughter of Nick and Holly Kopkey, won first place, North Manchester. In second was Brynn VanLaeken. In third was Delaney Hare, daughter of Rob and Amanda Hare, Syracuse. In fourth was Jaxon Nabinger, son of Trent and Nicole Nabinger, North Webster.