Cutie Queen Haley Rodewald touches her nose and her head during a game of Simon Says. (Photos by Michelle Sokol)By MICHELLE SOKOL Staff WriterWith nearly 50 contestants in this year’s Mermaid Festival Cutie Pageant, the six judges had a tough job.
Cuties waved enthusiastically into the crowd and toward the judges table as Jay Johnson emceed and played a game of Simon Says with them.
But after the contestants were brought to stage in four groups of about 10 to be judged on their attire and their attitude, the judges limited it down to eight finalists.
Johnny Likens, son of Neil and Megan Likens of Syracuse, was named 2012 Cutie King and Haley Rodewald, daughter of Scott and Ashley Rodewald of Warsaw, was named 2012 Cutie Queen.Cutie King Johhny Likens waves to his family in the audience.
First, second and third runner-ups for Cutie King, respectively, were Luke Keim, Daniel Speakman and Alexander Shock. For Cutie Queen, the runner-ups were Lauren Baker, Chesnee Miller and Mikilah Wiggs.
Cutie parade winners were also announced, with winners as follows:
MOTORIZED
First place: Quincie Stump, daughter of Matt and Tierny Stump of Indianapolis
Second place: Joy Bucher, daughter of Brandon and Michelle Bucher of Milford
Third place: Delaney Hare, daughter of Rob and Amanda Hare of Syracuse
Fourth place: Kasey Gunkel, daughter of Kevin Gunkel and Patti Biesemeyer of North Webster
HAND DRAWN
First place: Cameron Senter, son of Shawn and Starr Senter of Syracuse
Second place: Johnny Likens, son of Neil and Megan Likens of Syracuse
Third place: Luke Keim, son of Tim and Paige Keim of Syracuse
Fourth place: Mallory Syznal, daughter of John and Jennifer Syznal of Syracuse
WALKING
First place: Haley Rodewald, daughter of Scott and Ashley Rodewald of Warsaw
Second place: Mikilah Wiggs, daughte of Curtis and Angela Grady/Dustin Wiggs of North Webster
Third place: Zeke Keim, son of Tim and Paige Keim of Syracuse
Fourth place: Zoe Taylor, daughter of Barb Taylor of Milford
Cutie Court, from left to right: Daniel Speakman, Alexander Shock, Luke Keim, Johnny Likens, Haley Rodewald, Mikilah Wiggs, Chesnee Miller and Lauren Baker
