Meet the 2022 Royalty Candidates

Ellie Curlis

Ellie Curlis is the daughter of James & Sheri Curlis. She attends Hardin Northern High School and is has been involved in 4-H for eight years, FFA for four years and FCCLA for five years. She has exhibited several life skills projects winning several statewide awards. Around the fair, she can be found in the Hardin Northern Band Booster’s restaurant, volunteering in the Hardin County Cattle Producer’s Steak Barn, and performing with Cynergy Dance Studio. In her school, She has won several awards in FFA, as well as served as an FFA officer. She is a member of the Hardin Northern History Brigade, a PAWS tutor, Leaders of America, Book Club, Family, Career and Community, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Marching band, Concert Band, plays Volleyball and runs Track.

In her community, she is active with the Walnut Grove Youth Group/Hardin County Collective. After graduation, Curlis plans to attend an undecided university and is considering a major in dietetics.

Brock Heckathorn

Brock Heckathorn is the son of Michelle and Brad Heckathorn. He has been involved in 4-H for eight years, exhibiting Market Hogs, Snack Attack, Grill Master, Beyond the Grill, You’re the Chef, and Kitchen Boss. Around the fairgrounds he can be found performing with Kenton Top Twenty, working entry gates, and volunteering with the Hardin County Pork Producers. In his school, he is involved in HOSA, eSports, Quizbowl, Top Twenty Show Choir, Key Club, serves as class president, is a member of the National Honor Society, and plays soccer.

In his community, Heckathorn is involved in New Hope Church Youth Group and is a Northwest Ohio Basketball League volunteer. After graduation, Heckathorn plans to attend an undecided four-year university to become a pharmacist.

Kevin Eckstein

Kevin Eckstein is the son of Jeff and Emily Eckstein. He has been involved in 4-H for nine years, and FFA for four years. He has exhibited breeding rabbits, breeding and market lambs, beef feeders and beef steers. Around the fairgrounds he can be found on the Junior Fair Board and volunteering with the Hardin County Pork Producers and Hardin County Sheep Improvement Association. In his school, he is involved in Band, Musical, Company R show choir, National Honor Society, and plays Baseball.

In his community, Eckstein is involved in Boy Scouts and as a youth athletic coach. After graduation, Eckstein plans to attend an undecided four-year university to major in mechanical engineering.

Loryn Elsasser

Loryn Elsasser is the daughter of Devn and Erica Elsasser. She has been involved in 4-H for six years, and FFA for five years. She has exhibited Dairy Beef Feeders, Market Goats, Market Beef, and numerous 4-H life skills projects as well as Non-livestock FFA projects. Around the fairgrounds she can be found assisting with Pee Wee Showmanship classes, contributing to the Fair Foundation, and cleaning up trash around the grounds. In her school, she is involved in basketball, track & field, volleyball, cheer, musical, serves as a first grade student aide and National Honor Society.

In her community, she is involved in cleaning up her township, Mount Victory Beautification, and delivers groceries for the elderly. After graduation, Loryn plans to attend The Ohio State University to major in either Agriscience Education or Early Childhood Education.

Zeb Wilson

Zeb Wilson is the son of Andy and Darlene Wilson. He has been involved in FFA for five years. He has exhibited market and breeding lambs. Around the fairgrounds he can be found assisting the Dunkirk Garden Club with their flower show, volunteering with the Hardin County Sheep Improvement Association and Hardin Northern Music Boosters Restaurant. In his school, he is involved in golf, cross country, track, band, history brigade and basketball.

In his community, Wilson is involved in Kenton Alliance Church youth group and praise & worship team. After graduation, Wilson plans to attend an undecided university to either major in mathematics or finance.

Katie Good

Katie Good is the daughter of Brent and Jennie Good. She has been involved in FCCLA for five years, High School Art for four years and FFA for five years. She has exhibited breeding rabbits, market goats and numerous 4-H life skills projects as well as Non-livestock High School Art, FFA & FCCLA projects. Around the fairgrounds she can be found on the Junior Fair Board and assisting younger exhibitors in the goat barn. In her school, she is involved in volleyball, basketball and history brigade.

In her community, she is involved in Grace Gospel Church vacation bible school leader, youth basketball camps, is a Keep Hardin County Beautiful volunteer, Kenton Women of The Moose purse bingo volunteer, and participates in Adopt-A-Highway road cleanup. After graduation, Katie plans to attend an undecided college.

Alyssa Heldman

Alyssa Heldman is the daughter of April & Oliver Heldman. She has been involved in 4-H for nine years, and FFA for four years, and FCCLA for four years. She has exhibited Dairy Beef Feeders and numerous 4-H life skills projects . Around the fairgrounds she can be found on the Junior Fair Board and assisting future showmen and women in Pee Wee Showmanship. In her school, she is involved in history brigade, volleyball, cheer, band and National Honor Society.

In her community, she is involved in New Hope Church youth group and Blanchard Township cleanup day. After graduation, Alyssa plans to attend The Ohio State University to double major in Agriscience Education and Agricultural Communication.

Mckala Grauel

Mckala Grauel is the daughter of Penny and Shane McCafferty. She has been involved in 4-H for ten years, High School Art for five years, and FFA for five years. She has exhibited market and breeding lambs, market and breeding beef, beef feeders, market hogs and breeding goats. Around the fairgrounds she can be found on the Junior Fair Board and assisting younger exhibitors. In her school, she is involved in archery, golf, livestock judging and National Honor Society.

In her community, she is involved in producing the Weekend Spectacular cattle show in Marion, and picking up trash at the fair. After graduation, Mckala plans to attend an undecided college to study animal science.

Abraham Decker

Abraham Decker is the son of Craig and Melissa Decker. He has been involved in FFA for five years. He has exhibited market and breeding lambs, market and breeding rabbits. Around the fairgrounds he can be found on the working with the Junior Fair Board. In his school, he is involved in football, basketball, track, baseball, drama club, Business Professionals of America, and has attended Buckeye Boys State.

In his community, Decker is involved in his church’s youth group, is active in the American Rabbit Breeders Association and Hardin County Rabbit Breeders Association. After graduation, Decker plans to attend an undecided university to study agriculture in hopes of being an agricultural technician.

Lora Harder

Lora Harder is the daughter of Bryan & Lynette Harder. She has been involved in 4-H for nine years and FFA for three years. She has exhibited dairy beef feeders, beef feeders, breeding cattle and market hogs as well as several 4-H life skills project. Around the fairgrounds she can be found on the Junior Fair Board. In her school, she is involved in band, chorale, is a school ambassador, and is a part of National Technical Honor Society.

In her community, she is a camp counselor. After graduation, Lora plans to attend The Ohio State University to study Animal Science or Agriscience Education.

Anabelle Lawrence

Anabelle Lawrence is the daughter of Daniel and Sharon Lawrence. She has been involved in FFA for four years. In her school, she is involved in band, choir, drama club, Buckeye Girls State and student government.

In her community, she is a church volunteer & leader. After graduation, Anabelle plans to attend an undecided university to major in Music Education to teach vocal music.

Jillian Kearns

Jillian Kearns is the daughter of Earnest and Jina Kearns. She has been involved in FFA for four years and 4-H for nine years. She has exhibited breeding rabbits, market rabbits and draft horses as well as several 4-H life skills project. Around the fairgrounds she can be found on the Junior Fair Board and contributing the the Hardin County Fair Foundation. In her school, she is involved in musical, show choir, National Honor Society and plays volleyball and swims.

In her community, she is involved in her church, has exhibited in state and national livestock shows, is a camp counselor and is employed at Salsa’s Mexican Grill in Kenton. After graduation, Jillian plans to attend an undecided university to peruse an education degree.

Abigail McElfresh

Abigail McElfresh is the daughter of Ann & Dan McElfresh. She has been involved in FFA for three years. She has exhibited market and breeding goats, as well as horse projects . Around the fairgrounds she can be found on the Junior Fair Board. In her school, she is involved in band, National Honor Society and plays volleyball.

After graduation, Abigail plans to attend Rhodes State College and major in Ag Business and Agronomy in hopes of pursuing a sales career in agricultural inputs.

Cadence Coy

Cadence is the daughter of Lori and Chris Coy. She has been involved in both High School Art and FFA for three years. She has exhibited market goats, high school art and ag shop projects . Around the fairgrounds she can be found on the Junior Fair Board and volunteering in the Hardin County Cattle Producers Steak Barn. In her school, she is involved in the Awakened Commotion acapella group, musical, book club, history brigade, National Honor Society, student council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Quiz Bowl, is a Paws Tutor, cheers and runs track.

In her community, she is involved in her church, is a camp counselor and is employed at Padrone’s Pizza in Ada. After graduation, Cadence plans to attend an undecided university to peruse a career in early childhood education.