VAN WERT, Ohio (WLIO) - A five-decade tradition continued tonight as the 50th Peony Pageant was held in Van Wert.
Eight young women proudly represented their high schools as they competed for the Peony Queen title. The candidates had already been scored on a video essay and their preliminary interview before tonight’s event. For the main competition, three judges scored candidates in talent, evening gown promenade, and the on-stage question. Each candidate and escort received a minimum scholarship of $300, while the Queen Jubilee was awarded $1,500.
"Van Wert is such a giving community. This pageant is really such a special part of Van Wert. And I dreamed of doing this pageant as a little girl, and I'm so honored to have had this role," said Claire Keysor, last year's Queen Jubilee.
"I'm planning to go to the University of St Francis down in Fort Wayne to get my degree in advanced medical imaging to the scholarship will definitely help me get it started major and then go on to the future in the medical field," said Shay Boroff, one of this year's Peony Queen candidates.
Best of luck to all the participants in their future plans after high school.
