NEW QUEEN … The 2022 Miss Wauseon winner, runners-up and contestants stand on-stage after the crowning. (PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Jacob Kessler
The Wauseon Homecoming Pageant has crowned its new queen. On Thursday, July 28th, five ladies competed for the title with one winning overall. Each one put on a good performance, especially during the talent portion.
The Wauseon Homecoming Pageant has been taking place since 1952 and has been a good tradition that many look forward to every year, especially the contestants.
During the competition, previous Miss Wauseon winners were invited on stage to share their story and to tell everyone in attendance a little about themselves. But before that took place, the contestants were introduced.
The contestants for this year were Kallie Waxler, Emma Stutesman, Haleigh Wurst, Talia Gerlach, and Autumn Garcia.
After this year’s introduction took place, the 2021 Miss Wauseon was invited on stage along with a couple special guests. These special guests were this year’s Prince and Princess Kenna Bruner and Mason Nadeau.
The night progressed quickly with the contestants moving on to the talent portion. Talia Gerlach danced to the song “Lullaby”, Emma Stutesman tap danced to the song “Don’t Stop Me Now”, Haleigh Wurst sang the song “Turning Tables”, Kallie Waxler danced to the song “Salute”, and Autumn Garcia danced to the song “Reasons to Stay”.
2021 Wauseon Homecoming Queen Ann Spieles also came on to the stage to perform her farewell tap dance to the song “Another Day of Sun”.
Each of the performances completed by the contestants and former queen were excellent. The contestants then came out for the final portion of the night, the evening gown and question portion.
Following the question-and-answer portion, Wauseon Police Officer Jan Tropf was invited up onto the stage. Officer Tropf was given flowers and a plaque for her twenty-four years of service and dedication to the Wauseon Homecoming.
Next, the contestants came back up onto the stage for the final time before the crowing would take place. The judges sent up the results for the competition which were the following. Miss Photogenic – Autumn Garcia. Miss Congeniality – Haleigh Wurst. Second Runner Up – Autumn Garcia. First Runner Up – Kallie Waxler. And the 2022 Wauseon Homecoming Pageant Queen – Miss Haleigh Wurst.
Each of the contestants did a good job and represented Wauseon well. Congratulations to each of the contestants.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com
WURST … Haleigh Wurst sings the song “Turning Tables” for her talent.
WAXLER … Kallie Waxler dances to the song “Salute” for her talent.
STUTESMAN … Emma Stutesman tap dances to the song “Don’t Stop Me Now” for her talent.
SPIELES … 2021 Wauseon Homecoming Queen Ann Spieles tap dances to the song “Another Day of Sun” for her farewell performance.
DEDICATION … Officer Jan Tropf was given flowers and a plaque for her twenty-four years of dedication to the Wauseon Homecoming.

GARCIA … Autumn Garcia dances to the song “Reasons To Stay” for her talent.