2025 Strawberry Queen

Application forms are now available

 2024 Strawberry Queen Lily Ritter was crowned Saturday, April 6 at the Edna Carson Fine Arts Auditorium in Stilwell.

As queen, Lily Ritter received a $1,000 scholarship, $500 from the Forever Giving Back fund from the former queen group, and a ruby and silver broach sash pin by Jack Spinks. Lily is a junior at Stilwell High School, and the daughter of Brian and Tara Ritter.

“I was really, really surprised that I won,” Lily said. “I feel so grateful. I prayed every single time I came on stage.”

Second runner up was Kylee Laginess, receiving a $500 scholarship and Kendra Scott earrings, and the first runner up was Jaycee Gideon, winning a $750 scholarship and Kendra Scott earrings and necklace. Mandy Kiddie was chosen as Miss Congeniality by her peers, and received a trophy, the award given in memory of Betty Barker. Jaycee Gideon won People’s Choice getting the most $1 votes. She received $250 in cash and a trophy. Also competing were Raesha Martinez and Aaliyah Larson.

During the competition, all six candidates smiled brightly, dressed up in street wear and later formal wear, performing a talent, and answering the final question: “In what way are you a phenomenal woman?” which was this year’s theme.

Adrian Gaches, outgoing queen, performed a dramatic monologue last year by that name that helped earn her the title. Her performance was considered so

outstanding, she inspired the theme for this year. She also performed the dramatic monologue again this year.

For talent, Kiddy read a patriotic poem, “Freedom Isn’t Free,” wearing her fatigues, as she joined the National Guard last year. Laginess did a flag routine,

Martinez demonstrated how, everyone is enough through expressive dance to “Try” and Gideon wore a traditional tear skirt, and told the Cherokee story about the strawberry. Larson performed a monologue, “This Hit Me,” and Ritter sang, “Turning the Page,” about unconditional love, which she said she saw demonstrated by her grandparents for themselves and her.

Judges this year were Jennifer Loren, Jeremy Charles, Brenda Carpenter, Jennifer Wickham, and Rachel Skinner.

Loren said a lot of things about the pageant impressed her.

“I was impressed how each one of the contestants really blew me away. I enjoyed getting to eat and get to know and see how much people around the county care. All the girls were deserving and worked really hard,” Loren said.

A new award presented during the pageant was the Ronnie Trentham Service Award for young men. Three young men spoke during the Princess Pageant that morning. Sam Patterson won the inaugural award with a $1,000 scholarship, Elijah Laginess was first runner up with a $750 scholarship, and Tony Davidson

won second runner up and $500 scholarship.

The awards were presented by Lorie Trentham, Ronnie's widow. Each candidate read their winning essays and each received $1,000 due to additional donations from the Trentham family, Kelsey Trentham Patton, Lorie Trentham, and Kyla Trentham Lundberg.

Kiwanis volunteers work with the girls each week on poise, learning routines, interview skills, and help with whatever each girl might need, whether it’s finding a dress or assistance with hair or makeup. Volunteers are there for two rehearsals and the final show, behind the scenes, running sound, and spotlights.

Kiwanis volunteer Grace Ferris has run a spotlight for several years.

“I enjoy giving back and helping one another. As a Christian, like the Bible says, people might see your good works and glorify your father in heaven. I get joy out of serving,” Ferris said.

It was the first year for Rhea Terrapin to volunteer for the queen pageant, and she operated a spotlight. She has helped with the Princess Pageant for years.

“It’s not hard,” Terrapin said. "I was able to make sure during a dry run and dress rehearsal to figure it out, and where to put my thumbs. Grace showed me how. I’m having fun and I enjoy seeing the progress of the girls from Friday nights practice to tonight."

Contestant #1

Mandy Kiddy

Mandy Kiddy is 18 years old. She is a senior at Westville High School. Mandy is the daughter of Winter Summers and Mike Kiddy. Mandy’s activities include volleyball and track. She currently serves on the Army National Guard, Student Council and the FCCLA club. Some of Mandy’s hobbies are makeup artistry and reading. Mandy plans to attend the University of Oklahoma where she will pursue running track for the Sooners and majoring in Psychology.

Contestant #2

Jaycee Gideon

Jaycee Gideon is 17 years old. She is a senior at Sequoyah High School. Jaycee is the daughter of Kristin Fourkiller and Randy Gideon. Jaycee’s activities include golf and basketball. She currently serves as National Honor Society President, Student Council Vice President, and Senior Class President. Jaycee is a member of the Student Wellness Action Team, American Indian Students in Science and Engineering club, and Competitive Speech and Drama team. Some of Jaycee’s hobbies include spending time with family, traveling and playing pickleball. Jaycee plans to attend the University of Oklahoma in the fall, majoring in Education.

Contestant #3

Kylee Laginess

Kylee is 18 years old. She is a freshman at Oklahoma Baptist University. Kylee is the daughter of Mike and Teara Plunkett. Kylee is an active member of the Bison Brigade Athletic Marching Band, and a delegate of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Mock Legislature organization. In her free time, she volunteers for the Bison Buddy program and advocates for The Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Some of Kylee’s hobbies include running, reading, calligraphy, and crocheting. Kylee plans to finish her bachelor’s degree at OBU. Upon graduation, her aspiration is to continue her education in law school with the hopes of achieving a doctorate in law and politics.