(PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
ROYALTY … The crowned winners and runners-up pose for a picture on stage at the end of the pageant.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The 2025 Queens of West Unity Pageant returned to the Hilltop Schools Commons on Saturday evening, July 26, with the theme “Under the Sea.”
Organized by Leslie Campbell and Megan Bible, the event brought together families, friends, and community members to support the young women competing for crowns in four divisions.
The event kicked off at 5:00 p.m. with a performance from all the contestants and the reigning queens, welcoming the audience and setting the tone for a cheerful and vibrant evening.
From there, the program continued with each contestant showcasing their summer wear, followed by formal wear presentations, and then on-stage questions designed to highlight the girls’ poise and personality.
As the night neared its end, the reigning queens took their final walks before this year’s new royalty was crowned.
Fourteen girls participated in the pageant across four divisions. Competing for the title of Little Miss West Unity were: Allison Renee Campbell, sponsored by Fifth Brother Transport; Aubree Downs, sponsored by Burkholder Taxidermy; Cecelia Claire Rodriguez, sponsored by Jacoby’s Ole Smokehouse; Londyn Jo Ann VanDyke, sponsored by the Kunkle Fire Department; Lucille Marie Bible, sponsored by H&H Window Cleaning and Power washing; and Oaklee Leann Sheets-Meyers, sponsored by L.S. Hay and Straw.
In the Junior Miss division, contestants included Bailee Kay Bernath, sponsored by MW Solutions; Cecilla Jaslene Eidenier, sponsored by Grand Plaza; Kourtney Leann Miller, sponsored by Partners in Crime Catering; and Ramsey Jo Gamboe, sponsored by Gamboe Livestock.
Charlotte Lash, sponsored by Burkholder Taxidermy, competed in the Teen Miss division, while Nayah Ann Rodriguez, sponsored by Miguel’s Trucking, participated as the lone contestant in the Miss division.
Awards were presented at the end of the evening, including both category titles and special recognitions. The 2025 Little Miss West Unity title went to Cecelia Rodriguez, who also received Little Miss Best Hair.
Lucille Marie Bible was named runner-up and received Little Miss Royal Voice and Little Miss Crowned Smile. Londyn VanDyke received Little Miss Photogenic, and Oaklee Sheets was awarded the People’s Choice honor.
In the Junior Miss division, Bailee Bernath was crowned 2025 Junior Miss West Unity and received Little Miss Royal Voice. Kourtney Miller was named runner-up and received the Junior Miss Crowned Smile.
Ramsey Gamboe was awarded Junior Miss Photogenic, and Cecelia Eidenier received Junior Miss Hair as well as the Queen’s Grace award. The 50/50 Ticket Seller award went to Londyn VanDyke.
For Teen Miss West Unity, Charlotte Lash earned the crown and took home awards for Crowned Smile, Royal Image, Royal Voice, and Royal Hair.
In the Miss division, Nayah Ann Rodriguez was crowned Miss West Unity. She was also awarded Crowned Smile, Royal Image, Royal Voice, and Royal Hair.
The pageant brought smiles to the faces of everyone in attendance as they watched the girls shine on stage with grace, confidence, and charm.
The night concluded with celebration and gratitude for the volunteers, sponsors, and families who made the event possible, once again creating memories for all who took part.
