MITCHELL – Who will be crowned the 2023 Persimmon Festival Queen – Ten young ladies will be competing for the title.
The Pageant is scheduled for Sunday, September 24th at 1:00 p.m. at Mitchell High School auditorium. There is a $2.00 admission fee.
Judges will select a queen and three princesses. The contestants will select Miss Congeniality.
The crowning of this year’s queen will be at 6 p.m. on the Main Street Stage on Monday, September 25th.
Please come out and show these young ladies your support.
Meet the contestants:
Lily Marie Russell, 16, of Mitchell, is the daughter of Holly and Robin Russell. She is currently a junior at Mitchell High School and is a member of SADD, Student Council, Academic team, and is a Peer Leader. She is also the Junior Class President and a member of the Fusion Dazzler Dance Team. After high school, Lily would like to attend LSU and become a professional dancer. Lily’s favorite place is Lawrence County, it’s where she is most comfortable and it’s where her favorite people are.
Jorja Grace Lamm, 16, of Mitchell, is the daughter of Cody, and Toya Lamm. She is a junior at Mitchell High School and is a member of the MHS track team, a football manager, and a Peer Leader. Jorja has danced since the age of 4 and is a dancer at Lawrence County Fusion Dance Center. She is a member of the Bride of Christ Church and enjoys painting in her spare time. After high school, she plans to attend college to become a conservation officer. Jorja’s favorite place in Lawrence County is Donaldson Cave because it is peaceful and it’s where she completes her Bible study. Jorja is sponsored by Phi Beta Psi Sorority.
Bryleigh Littrell, 14, of Mitchell, is the daughter of Bryan and Nikki Littrell. She is currently a freshman at Mitchell High School and is a member of the MHS Cheer Squad. Bryleigh is also an LCS competitive cheerleader and is a member of 4-H in the dairy, horse, and poultry clubs. Bryleigh designed the 75-year festival pin last year. Bryleigh is also the co-owner of the Bubble Tea Barn. Following high school, Bryleigh would like to attend a higher institution and obtain a degree in nursing. Her favorite place in Lawrence County is LCS Cheer, because she loves being a part of her team. Bryleigh is sponsored by Phi Beta Psi Sorority.
Kylee Lynn Robbins, 16, of Mitchell, is the daughter of Kyle and Alyssa Robbins. She is currently a junior at Mitchell High School. Kylee is currently employed by Chicago’s Pizza in Mitchell and dedicates her time to being a good student. After high school, Kylee would like to attend college and obtain a degree in nursing, in hopes of becoming an ER nurse. Kylee’s favorite place in Lawrence County is her Grandma’s house because she loves her cooking. Kylee is sponsored by C&M Conveyor.
Marissa Kayleen Blais, 14, of Mitchell, is the daughter of Justin and Chasey Blais. She is a freshman at Mitchell High School and is a member of MHS Track, FCA, and the yearbook staff. She is a member of Lawrence County 4-H and is in the Horse and Pony, Swine, Poultry, and Dog Clubs. Marissa is also a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. After high school, Marissa would like to go to college
to become a veterinarian for large animals. Marissa is currently an employee at Golden Horse Ranch, babysits, and spends time volunteering. Her favorite place in Lawrence County is Spring Mill State Park because she loves being outdoors and nature. Marissa is sponsored by Blais Farms.
Madyson Marie Kendall, 16, of Mitchell, is the daughter of Travis and Vangie Kendall. She is currently a junior at Mitchell High School. Madyson is a member of the basketball team and a member of the FFA. After graduation, Madyson would like to become a real estate agent or a NASCAR driver. Her favorite place in Lawrence County is the Williams Covered Bridge. She enjoys the history of the bridge and going there at night to give her friends a good scare.
Lila Kathryn Leigh Bodkins, 17, of Mitchell, is the daughter of Steve and Joni Bodkins. She is a senior at Mitchell High School. She is a member of SADD, Academic Team, Student Council, and Honor Society and a manager for the soccer team. Lila is a member of the Lawrence County Elite Dazzler dance team. She
also is an intern at the Lawrence County Circuit Court and volunteers at the Mitchell Masonic Lodge. After high school, Lila plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to become a JAG in the United States Air Force. Her favorite place in Lawrence County is Spring Mill State Park because she enjoys camping, hiking,
kayaking, riding the trails, and seeing the waterfalls with her family. Lila is sponsored by the sorority of Tri Kappa
Angeleigh Christina Asbury, 18, of Mitchell, is the daughter of Herb and Michelle Asbury. She is a senior at Mitchell High School and is a member of the Student Council, SADD, a peer leader, and a BCAM leader. She is currently a manager for the MHS soccer team. Angeleigh is also a member of the Lawrence County
Dazzlers Dance Team. After high school, she plans to attend college and obtain a degree in elementary education. Her favorite place in Lawrence County is Spring Mill State Park because it’s a peaceful place and reminds her of home. Angeleigh is sponsored by MaddieLee Creations.
Madison Grace Smith, 18, of Mitchell, is the daughter of Jennifer and Justin Smith. She is a senior at Mitchell High School and is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, HOSA, and SADD. She is employed at Total Tan in Bedford. Following High School, Madison plans to attend Ivy Tech Community College and obtain a degree in Respiratory Therapy. Her favorite place in Lawrence County is Spring Mill State Park because she has so many fond childhood memories there. Madison is sponsored by Pritchett Brothers Construction.
Avah Renee Cooper, 15, of Mitchell, is the daughter of Julia and Thomas Hamilton. She is a freshman at Mitchell High School and is a member of the MHS volleyball, basketball, and softball teams. She is also a member of Lawrence County 4-H. Avah plans to attend college after high school to obtain a
business degree and eventually go on to become a dermatologist. Her favorite place in Lawrence County is Spring Mill State Park because she loves to explore the caves and trails.
