The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1196721
A-10 Local Wednesday, Januar y 1, 2020 The Press-Dispatch DOUBLE J COLLISION • TOWING We're overflowing with gratitude for all the folks we have served this year, and want to wish you much health, happiness and success in the year ahead. Your friendship is important to us and we look forward to seeing you again next year. CALL FOR CARRY-OUT OR FASTER SERVICE 812-354-2606 350 W. MAIN, PETERSBURG Wednesday & Thursday 5-8 pm • Friday & Saturday 5-9 pm 812-354-9670 350 W. MAIN, PETERSBURG HWY. 57, SOUTH OF TOWN Joe Mama's PIZZA Miss Pike County ready to compete for state crown By Dennis Marshall The Indiana State Fair might not be until August, but 87 county representatives from around the state will flock to the Indiana State Fairground this weekend to compete for the crown of Miss Indiana State Fair 2020. All contestants including Miss Pike County Ab- igail Sutt will appear on stage Friday, Jan. 3, and take part in a three-minute interview with each judge. "I'm really excited about that because inter- viewing is always my favorite part," Sutt said. "I have had so much fun. I have done so many different events including a marathon. That was crazy. It was more like a 5k, but still. I have painted nails at the nursing home, and expe- rienced all kinds of different environments. I've enjoyed talking to people and getting to know so many new people." The pageant truly starts on Satur- day, Jan. 4, with each contestant giving their introductions, a busi- ness wear competition where each contestant will give a one minute speech and a formal wear competition. Sutt said she isn't too ner- vous right now, but she's sure it will hit her and that will change when she's up on stage. "I'm just going into Miss Indiana with the expecta- tion of having fun and do my best," she said. "It's a lot different because there are a lot more girls, from all over Indiana, and I don't know all of them. So it is a little different and a larg- er competition, but I'm just going to have fun be- cause I have already had the time of my life being Miss Pike County." The judges will nar- row the field down to 16 semifinalist on Sunday, Jan. 5. The semifinalists will give their speech- es again, and the judges will taper it down to 10 final- ists. The finalists will redo the for- mal wear com- petition and an- swer an on-stage question, and the new queen will be crown shortly after all the finalists have competed this stage of the competition. Sutt said she most excited to room with all of the other contestants and form some new and lasting friendships. "My sister went two years ago and she still has friends that she talks to," she said. "They're going to be lifelong friends, so I'm glad that pageants are giving me this op- portunity to make friends and share our same passions together." Sutt has been involved with pageant circuit since a young age. She said she has dreamed of being Miss Pike County since she was four years old. "Watching so many Miss Pike County Queens crown has given me a drive to want to better myself," she said. "I have learned great communication and interview skills. I can talk to just about anybody about anything. It's really just taught me to always put my best foot forward." Another aspect of being Miss Pike County that Sutt re- ally enjoys is getting to be a role model for the younger girls from the area. "I love being a person they can look up to," she said. "I always try to make an extra effort to be friendly, kind and compassionate anytime one of the younger girls has a ques- tion or just wants to talk." Sutt is currently a student at Oakland City University. She serves as one of the school's ambassadors and is also a member of the Mighty Oaks cheerleading squad. "There is always that one person driving you to be the best person you can be," Sutt said. "For me it's just not one person, it's my entire family. My mom, Summer Sorgius, is my biggest supporter and I love her so much. I wouldn't be able to do all the things I am involved in without her. My sister has also been a role model for me." Sutt's older sister Bailey can surely offer some words of wisdom. She already went through this process back when she was Miss Pike County in 2017. Sutt said she doesn't know what's next after this. She can no longer compete for the Miss Pike County crown since she already won, but one thing is for sure, she knows she is not done competing. "I have been in pageants my entire life and it's something that I have always wanted to do," she said. "I just love doing it. I don't think I am going to be done until I age out at 22. There are some other opportunities out there. I am just go- ing to keep bettering myself and keep doing what I love." The Cannon Family donated the $500 scholar- ship to the winner of the 2019 Pike County 4-H Fair, Abigail Sutt.