MITCHELL — The 2026 Persimmon Queen Contest is preparing for another year of competition, giving contestants the opportunity to earn the title of Persimmon Festival Queen while competing for cash prizes, gift certificates and more.
Judging will take place Sunday, September 20, at 3 p.m. The contestants will return for the crowning ceremony on Monday, September 21, at 7 p.m. on the Main Street Stage. If weather conditions are inclement, the crowning ceremony will be moved to the Mitchell High School Auditorium.
Meet the 2026 Persimmon Festival queen candidates:
Contestant number one: Miss Emma Payton. Emma is a 17-year-old senior at Mitchell High School and the daughter of Amber Richards. Emma is a member of Bring Change 2 Mind, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Winter and Color Guard, TRY-HI-Y, Student Council, and Honors Society, and in her spare time, she volunteers at IU Health Bedford Hospital.
Contestant number two: Cadence Tillett. Cadence is a 16-year-old sophomore at Mitchell High School and the daughter of Denny and Melinda Smoot. Cadence is a member of Cast Grows & Mentors and MHS and an active member of the Orleans Christian Church Youth Group.
Contestant number three: Miss Kennlyn Jae Baker. Kennlyn is a 14-year-old freshman at Mitchell High School, and the daughter of Danielle Richardson and Gerald Baker. Kennlyn is a member of the LawCo Cheer group and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, riding four-wheelers, and anything in the area of arts and crafts.
Contestant number four: Withdrew.
Contestant number five: Miss Avah Cooper. Ava is an 18-year-old senior at Mitchell High School and the daughter of Julia & Thomas Hamilton. Avah is a member of the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams at Mitchell High School, and of the Student Council, Pep club, and Orleans Christian Church youth group.
Contestant number six: Miss Hannah Mae Elliott. Hannah is a 16-year-old sophomore at Mitchell High School and the daughter of Lacey and Chris Purdue. Emily is a member of the 21st Century Scholars, District Honor Band, Sound of the Swarm 2026 section leader, Winter Guard, Marching Band, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Varsity Singers, Academic Team, Key Club, SADD, Bring Change 2 Mind, Student Council, Art Club, FCA, Pep Club, recycling club, try-hi-y, and the Tulip Street Christian Church youth group.
Contestant number seven: Miss Abigail Fountain. Abigail is a 16-year-old junior at Mitchell High School and the daughter of Janice & Paul Fountain. Abigail is a member of the varsity volleyball, basketball, and softball teams at MHS. She also participates in the Lawrence County 4-H Fair, where she shows goats and pigs. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and friends, go to church, and bake!
Contestant number eight: Miss Marissa Blais. Marissa is a 17-year-old senior at Mitchell High School and the daughter of Chasey and Justin Blais. Marissa is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, FFA, Volleyball, Track, Bass Fishing team, Honor Society, SADD, Bring Change to Mind, Horse & Pony, Swine, Poultry, and Dog Clubs; 4-H Camp Counselor, ALA Hoosier Girls State, REMC Washington, D.C. trip, Community Volunteer, two-time MHS track record holder; and participates in as many Persimmon Festival activities as possible, since birth! Marissa served as page with Senator Eric Koch through 4-H at the Statehouse and now interns for Judge Cline and Prosecutor Sam Arp. She also interns in the probation department.
Contestant number nine: Miss Emily Perez. Emily is a 17-year-old senior at Mitchell High School and the daughter of Roy Perez and Lupe Perez. Emily is a member of the varsity cheerleading team, secretary of the National Honor Society, Key Club, SADD, Student Council, HOSA Secretary, NTHS Vice President, and enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and baking.
Contestant number ten: Miss Faith Kirby. Faith is a 15-year-old sophomore at Mitchell High School and the daughter of John Kirby. Faith is a member of the Bonds Chapel Lightkeepers youth group, Bring Change to Mind, Key Club, Mitchell Concert Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, and Art Club. She enjoys listening to music, playing clarinet, drawing, reading, researching history and geography, flags, and mysteries.
Contestant number eleven: Miss Khloe Brooks Cline. Khloe is a 16-year-old junior at Mitchell High School and the daughter of Tatelyn and Christopher Cline. Khloe is a member of the Golf Team, Cross Country, Dance, and Track Teams, Studio Dance, Student Council, FCA, Art Club, and Gymnastics.
Contestant number twelve: Miss Rhilyn Slaughter. Rhilyn is a 16-year-old junior at Mitchell High School and the daughter of Erica and Jordan Slaughter. Rhilyn is a member of the Mitchell High School Dance Team, Cross Country, Track, Student Council, and National Honor Society.
Contestant number thirteen: Miss Harleigh Raine Reeve. Harleigh is a 14-year-old freshman at Mitchell High School and the daughter of Anthony and Mackenzie Reeve. Harleigh is a member of Mitchell High School volleyball and basketball teams, FCA, and a 3-year member of the Lawrence County 4-H Swine Club.
Contestant number fourteen: Miss Maci Marie Nissley. Maci is a 15-year-old sophomore at Mitchell High School, and the daughter of Kristi & Camren Nissley. Maci is a competitive dancer, a two-year member of the National Honor Society, and this year she plans to join HOSA and Key Club. In her free time, she likes to read, play piano, and watch TV with her mom. She is a Christian who actively participates in service through her church.
Contestant number fifteen: Miss Jaycelyn Reann McCain. Jaycelyn is a 16-year-old junior at Bedford North Lawrence High School and the daughter of Jodi McCain and Robert Lemmons. Jaycelyn enjoys crocheting, playing with her baby brother, church activities, Girl Scouts, baking, and cooking.
