Seven Jackson County young women will be in contention to be crowned the 2017 Phi Beta Psi Cancer Dance queen.
These candidates have placed collection containers at various locations and businesses seeking donations for “a penny a vote.”
Each February, the Theta Omega chapter of Phi Beta Psi sorority conducts a fundraising event for its national project of cancer research along with a dinner/dance. This year will mark the 45th anniversary for this event.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
“Mardi Gras Mambo” will be Feb. 4 at Pewter Hall in Brownstown. The Third Generation Band from Indianapolis will provide the music.
Tickets for the event are $75 per couple and may be obtained from any sorority member.
The winner of the queen title will be announced that evening. The winner will be the contestant who raises the most money with all proceeds going directly to the sorority’s national project, cancer research. Anyone wishing to make a donation may contact any of the queen candidates.
The seven Jackson County high school seniors competing for the title include Delaney Friend, Alexis Gross, Kirstin Hoene, Hannah Sipe, Mallory Thias, Haley Westfall and Hannah Wood.
Delaney Friend is the daughter of Mark and LeeAnn Friend. She attends Seymour High School and is involved in student government, National Honor Society and Dance Marathon Committee and is a D.A.R.E. Role Model. She plans to attend college following graduation and study business management.
Alexis Gross is the daughter of Tom and Heather Gross. She attends Seymour High School and participates in track and field and is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She plans to attend IUPUI and study interior design.
Kirstin Hoene is the daughter of Eric and Johnni Hoene. She attends Trinity Lutheran High School and is involved in soccer, softball, National Honor Society, Student Ambassadors and FFA. She also is a 10-year member of 4-H. She serves as a volunteer for Schneck Medical Center’s emergency room and works part time at Excel Manufacturing. Upon graduation, she plans to study pediatric nursing with a goal to become a nurse practitioner.
Hannah Sipe is the daughter of Rob and Holly Sipe. She attends Seymour High School and is involved in student government, Latin Club, volleyball and Student Athletic Board. She plans to play volleyball and study nursing at Indiana University Southeast.
Mallory Thias is the daughter of Kevin and Lisa Thias. She attends Seymour High School and is involved in student government, Renaissance, swimming and volleyball. She is a volunteer for Shields House and Schneck Medical Center. She plans to attend the University of Indianapolis in the fall and study nursing.
Haley Westfall is the daughter of Rick and Tracy Westfall. She attends Seymour High School and is involved in Renaissance, National Honor Society, Latin Club, student government, Riley Dance Marathon, softball, volleyball and cross-country. She also is involved in the First Baptist Church youth group. She plans to attend Purdue University in the fall and has been admitted into the pre-veterinarian program in the college of agriculture.
Hannah Wood is the daughter of Pastor Steve and Michelle Wood. She attends Seymour High School and is involved in Key Club and the intern program and is a special education helper and a D.A.R.E. Role Model. She volunteers at Anchor House and Community Diner and is a member of her church youth group. Her plans following graduation are to attend Ball State University or Wittenberg University pursuing a dual major in early education and special education with a minor in Spanish and deaf education.