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Laura Francis 2011
Miss Annie Oakley
By Naiesha Thobe, Teen Scribe
Lead Photo: Jessica
Transue. Photo; Laura’s winning shot and Best Costume: Dylan Hoover.
Coming soon: photo essays from Jessica and Dylan.
Laura Francis, a junior at Ball State University, took the 100-ft round
to become Miss Annie Oakley 2011. First runner-up was Marie Blakely;
second runner-up was Majennica Nealeigh. The winning costume went to
Kari Kramer (right, shown with Miss Annie Oakley 2010 Ruby Jo Walls) on
Wednesday evening.
Thursday night people gathered at the Darke County Fairgrounds to watch
the finalists shoot it out to try and earn the title of Miss Annie
Oakley 2011. There were six finalists all striving towards one goal,
although only one would prevail.
First up was Molly Magoto, age 16, a Junior at Greenville High School.
Second, Marie Blakeley, 16, Junior at Ansonia High School. Third,
Majennica Nealeigh, a 15 year old home-schooled Junior. The fourth
contestant was Laura Francis, 19, a Junior at Ball State University.
Fifth was Rachel Francis, 16, another Junior at Ansonia. Sixth up was
Alyssa Baumgardner, 14, a freshman at Greenville.
All six contestants showed extreme talent with a rifle, although one by
one, the competition dwindled. Until there were only three left -
Marie, Majennica, and Laura. At 95 feet, Ms. Nealeigh missed her
target, becoming the second runner up.
Then it was the final round to see who would take home the title. After
three tiebreaking rounds where both girls shot from 100 feet, Laura
Francis took the title of Miss Annie Oakley 2011.
Second and first runners-up were presented with trophies, as well as
Miss Annie Oakley 2011. Laura was also presented with a sash reading
her title from the previous Miss Annie Oakley, Ruby Jo Walls. As well
as the trophy and sash, Laura received her honorary trophy for the
year: a rifle that had been crafted by John E. Baumgardner.
Laura, along with the runners-up, will be seen in the Annie Oakley
Parade held Saturday morning, as well as in the fairgrounds during the
weekend and a variety of events throughout the year.
Congratulations, girls!
Naiesha, Jessica and
Dylan are student interns through the Greenville High School Career
Mentorship Program.
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