PHOTOS BY REBEKAH DELL / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
PAGEANT CONTESTANTS … Contestants in the 2026 Queens of West Unity Pageant are presented at the beginning of the annual competition held July 18 at Hilltop High School. This year’s pageant theme was “Crowned in Confidence.” VIEW PHOTOS OF THIS EVENT FOR FREE AT WWW.THEVILLAGEREPORTER.COM
QUEENS AND RUNNERS-UP … The 2026 Queens of West Unity and their runners-up pose following the conclusion of the annual pageant at Hilltop High School. Front row: Allison Campbell, Junior Miss first runner-up; Harper Fellows, Junior Miss West Unity; Aubree Downs, Little Miss West Unity; and Oaklee Barnum, Little Miss first runner-up. Back row: Scarlett Runkle, Teen Miss West Unity; Emily Marvin, Miss West Unity; and Alaina Gamboe, Teen Miss first runner-up.
COMMUNITY CONCENTRATION … Teen Miss contestant Scarlett Runkle presents her Community Concentration project during the Queens of West Unity Pageant.
TALENT PORTION … Miss West Unity contestant Emily Marvin performs “Colors of the Wind” on saxophone during the talent portion of the pageant.
JUNIOR MISS CROWNED … Harper Fellows received the crown after being named 2026 Junior Miss West Unity.
By: Rebekah Dell
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Queens of West Unity Pageant celebrated confidence and community service on July 18 at Hilltop High School as contestants competed for the opportunity to represent West Unity throughout the coming year.
The pageant began at 4:30 p.m. and was emceed by Gabby Rodriguez. This year’s theme, “Crowned in Confidence,” highlighted the poise, accomplishments and service-minded efforts of each contestant.
Contestants competed in four divisions: Little Miss, Junior Miss, Teen Miss and Miss. Prior to the start of the pageant, contestants participated in private interviews with the judges.
Little Miss and Junior Miss contestants were judged on interview, casual wear, on-stage questions and formal wear. Teen Miss contestants competed in interviews, casual wear, Community Concentration and formal wear.
The Community Concentration portion allowed contestants to highlight their community service projects. The Miss contestant was judged in those same categories, along with a talent competition.
The Little Miss division featured five contestants. Oaklee Barnum was named Miss Congeniality and earned first runner-up honors. Kaylee Miller received Miss Photogenic and Best Hair awards. Lynnex Long received the Best Smile award. Aubree Downs earned Best Interview honors and was crowned the 2026 Little Miss West Unity.
The Junior Miss division included eight contestants. Salem Hepker was named second runner-up. Kourtney Miller earned Miss Congeniality and Best Hair honors. Ramsey Gamboe received the Best Smile award. Allison Campbell earned Best Interview, Miss Photogenic and first runner-up honors. Harper Fellows was crowned the 2026 Junior Miss West Unity.
The Teen Miss division included three contestants. Alaina Gamboe was named first runner-up. Scarlett Runkle earned Best Interview, Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic, Best Hair and Best Smile before being crowned 2026 Teen Miss West Unity.
As part of the Community Concentration portion of the competition, Runkle highlighted the importance of helmet safety. Her project was inspired by her brother, who was involved in an accident and recovered because he was wearing a helmet.
The Miss division featured one contestant, Emily Marvin, who was crowned the 2026 Miss West Unity. Marvin swept all award categories in the division. For her talent presentation, she performed “Colors of the Wind” on the saxophone, an instrument she has spent the past six years learning.
Marvin’s Community Concentration focused on helping fellow students look and feel their best through her goal of establishing free haircuts for all Hilltop students.
Prior to crowning the new 2026 Queens of West Unity, the reigning 2025 Queens completed their final walks as they concluded their year of service representing the community.
The pageant also featured a 50/50 raffle, with ticket sales totaling $4,100. The winner received $2,050. The contestant with the highest number of raffle ticket sales was Londyn Van Dyke.
The People’s Choice Award was presented to Little Miss contestant Oaklee Barnum.
The newly crowned Queens of West Unity will represent the community throughout the year at local events and activities.