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Abbey Shoffner crowned Miss Putnam County 2024
Poised as she vied for the title with six other contestants, it was loud as Abbey Shoffner was named 2024’s Miss Putnam County on Saturday.
She was composed, though, after outgoing queen Katie Fry bestowed her with her crown. Along came the bouquet of flowers and the roaring applause as she walked for her first time as queen.
It was maybe surreal as she embraced her family and friends after the pageant concluded. But reflecting on the preparation that led to the night, she was grateful for the opportunity.
“I’m very excited and surprised,” Shoffner told the Banner Graphic matter-of-factly but with a smile.
The contestants were judged based on five categories. The professional wear modeling portion comprised 15 percent, while a prior interview with the judges was 45 percent. Meanwhile, the evening gown portion was 25 percent, five percent was for speaking about an impromptu word and 10 percent was based on a meal with the judges.
Jeff Rich served as the night’s master of ceremonies and read profiles for each contestant. Of course, he also had the honor of announcing the winners.
A recent home school graduate, Shoffner has volunteered at a local food pantry and worked with the Junior Leaders in the community. A 10-year 4-H member, she has participated in genealogy and creative writing.
Shoffner is the daughter of Steve and Andrea Shoffner. Her sponsor for the contest was Dirty Hairy Pet Salon.
Shoffner is attending Indiana State University in the fall and plans to major in English. Afterward, she wants to become an editor or write website content, while also writing novels on the side.
As fun facts, Shoffner’s favorite color is blue with lilac purple, and she would love to have a baby-blue Subaru Legacy with a sunroof and loudspeakers. Her favorite 4-H memories center on bonding with fellow Junior Leaders in their stand at the fair.
Shoffner related that she participated in the contest to make more connections in the community. Alongside that goal was to positively influence and inspire those around her, especially young 4-H members.
For “brave” being her impromptu word, Shoffner spoke to her father in his profession as a firefighter.
“Every time he is on shift, he has to face things that you might not know what’s coming, from a burning house to an unstable building,” she said. “Either way, he goes in and faces it, because that’s his job. And he is a very brave man.”
Excited and surprised at the same time, Shoffner said she is looking forward to representing Putnam County in her role. In the moment, though, she was humble in sharing the stage with her fellow contestants.
“I was up against some amazing, spectacular girls, and I did not think I was going to win,” she said. “This was an amazing experience. These girls were all so wonderful. I learned so much from it.”
As it gets under way, Shoffner is looking forward to going about the fair and meeting people. For her, she will get to experience the revelry from a new perspective.
“It means a lot,” Shoffner summed up. “It means to show how 4-H has really affected my life, and how I can now give back to the community.”
Those who will join in Shoffner’s court in the next year are:
• First Runner-up Gabbi Simonson, daughter of Jason and Jennifer Simonson, and sponsored by JTN Services;
• Second Runner-up Kennedy Clark, daughter of Ryan and Angie Clark, and sponsored by Ames 4K Farms; and
• Third Runner-up and Miss Congeniality Hope Taylor, daughter of Ronnie and Jessica Taylor, and sponsored by Bud and Tammy Page.
The other contestants in this year’s competition were:
• Grace Clodfelter, daughter of David and Kylee Clodfelter, and sponsored by Pingleton Sawmill;
• Sydney Moore, daughter of David and Angie Moore, and sponsored by Culligan of Putnam County; and
• Chloe Tomaw, daughter of John and Jennifer Tomaw, and sponsored by Boller Excavating & Removal.