Staff Report
WARSAW — Nineteen years ago, Jordyn Leininger won the title of Miss Toddler Kosciusko.
Now, she has a new title — Miss Indiana State Festivals Queen 2026.
On Nov. 8, 36 queens and 18 princess contestants traveled to Greenfield Central High School to represent their festivals, fairs, or events in the 2026 Indiana State Festivals Association Scholarship Pageant.
A panel of three judges interviewed each young woman and then evaluated their festival wear and on-stage presence in an evening gown. Over $5,400 in scholarships were awarded, according to a provided news release.
Leininger, Miss Kosciusko County Fair queen 2024, was selected as the 2026 Indiana State Festivals queen. Her court includes first runner-up Janesse Sherman from Gibson County Fair, second runner-up Katherine Roemke from Vanderburg County Fair, third runner-up Jenna Smith from Labor Day Association Celebration and fourth runner-up Jerryn Pettigrew from Whitley County 4-H Fair.
The first-ever princess crowned was Avery Jo Carr, representing the Labor Day Association Celebration. Her court includes first runner-up Ava Jolee Hackman from Tree City Fall Festival, second runner-up Delilah Burke from Covington Apple Fest and People’s Choice Claire Terwiske from St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.
Leininger represented the Kosciusko County Fair at the ISFA pageant, and she joins two other Miss Kosciusko County Fair queens who have worn the crown as the Miss Indiana State Festivals Association Queen – Kaytlyn Eberly Adkins in 2015 and Caylyne DeGood in 2003.
Leininger is a Whitko graduate and 2023 Kosciusko County Lilly Scholar who attends Butler University, majoring in healthcare and business with a business law minor.
When asked about her plans for her year of service, Leininger responded, “Increasing visibility and participation in the ISFA is key. We have an Instagram and a new Facebook page, so adding new followers is one of my goals. I am also excited to travel our great state, meeting people and learning about Indiana and our rich heritage. ”
According to the Indiana State Festivals Association web page, nearly 600 festivals and events are held in all 92 counties from January to December. Leininger will spend the next year traveling the state, visiting fairs, festivals and events. If you would like her to attend your event, make a general inquiry at IndianaFestivals.org on the “Contact Us” page.
If you would like more information about the queen or princess scholarship pageants, email pageant director Lee Ann Smith at leeannsmith824@gmail.com.
