Each year, judges select the queen based on points earned through community service and involvement, ticket sales, poise and personality, responsibility, and responses during the judges’ interview, which took place earlier in the week. The winner receives a $750 scholarship.The pageant began with remarks from outgoing Queen, Savannah Roberts. Since being crowned, Roberts has completed her senior year at Francis Howell. This fall, she plans to attend Maryville University, where she will major in human development with the goal of becoming a child life specialist. She will also continue her cheerleading career as a member of the Maryville University Cheer Team.
Teagan Brazil, escorted by her father, Joe, was next to take the stage. Brazil will be a senior at Francis Howell this coming year. She currently works at Club Pilates and Defiance Ridge Vineyards. After high school, she plans to attend a four-year college and pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing, with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse. She also hopes to continue her cheer career at the collegiate level.
Sophia Counts was escorted to the stage by her father, Jeff. She will be a senior at Francis Howell this coming year and currently works as a welder at WB Industries Aerospace Manufacturing. After high school, Counts plans to attend St. Charles Community College while continuing to work or enroll at The Apprentice School in Newport News, Virginia.
Lacey Oberg, the final candidate, was escorted to the stage by her father, Tim. Oberg will be a senior at Francis Howell this coming school year. After high school, she plans to attend the University of Alabama, where she hopes to continue her color guard career while majoring in business management with a concentration in human resources.
The candidates would like to thank this year’s pageant emcee, Trista Smith, the 2024 New Melle Festival First Alternate; the candidates’ sponsors: Circle 6, Blondin Real Estate, and Straatmann Feed; the judges; and pageant coordinator Jenna Murphy, who dedicates countless hours to the program each year. Congratulations to all the young ladies. The community wishes you success in your future endeavors.
Lacey with her father, Tim, as she
made her first walk as the
73rd New Melle Festival Queen.
(L-R) Teagan Brazil was crowned First Alternate and Miss Congeniality,
candidate Sophia Counts, 73rd New Melle Festival Queen Lacey Oberg,
2025 New Melle Festival Queen Savannah Roberts and
2025 First Alternate Addison Ropp.
(L-R) Teagan Brazil, sponsored by Blondin Realty, was crowned
Miss Congeniality and First Alternate.
Lacey Oberg, sponsored by Circle 6, was crowned the
73rd New Melle Festival Queen.
Sophia Counts, queen candidate, was sponsored by Straatmann Feed.