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2023 Ohio River Sternwheel Festival: Queen candidates vying for crowning achievement

By Staff Reports 6 min read

Olivia Gibbs

Olivia Gibbs describes herself as a passionate and driven individual who constantly seeks personal growth and strives to make a positive impact on those around her.

With a diverse background and a thirst for knowledge, she has excelled in various fields, displaying adaptability and a strong work ethic. In her free time, she enjoys engaging in creative pursuits, such as painting and writing, finding solace in nature and regularly immersing herself in outdoor activities that rejuvenate her mind. She is interested and attending college at Ohio University for a major in Psychology.

She embraces her passion for psychology and has embarked on an incredible journey of self-discovery and helping others. She is determined to leave a lasting legacy that inspires others to follow their dreams and contribute to the betterment of society.

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Melina Matics

Melina Matics, 19, is the daughter of Jeff and Sloane Matics of Marietta. She is a 2022 graduate of Wood County

Christian School and is currently studying radiologic technology at Washington State Community College. She is an 11-year member of Ohio 4-H. Through 4-H she serves on the Washington County and Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Boards, is a Teen Representative on the Washington County 4-H Advisory Committee and the Ohio 4-H Foundation Board. She also serves on the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council and was inducted into the Ohio 4-H Teen Hall of Fame in 2023. She is a member of Souls Harbor Baptist Church where she volunteers in the children's ministry. In her free time, she enjoys working on her 4-H projects and taking care of her market chickens and market ducks in the summer months, as well as spending time with friends and family. Her ambition in life is to pursue a career in diagnostic imaging and continuing her education to expand her career options in the medical field.

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Kenzie Smith

Kenzie Smith, 19, is the daughter of Brad and LeeAndra Smith of Marietta. She is very involved within her community. In 4-H she has worked various dinners, ice cream socials and helped mulch playgrounds. She wrote Christmas cards to soldiers overseas, helped clean local roads, and collect donations for the humane society. She was also very involved in extracurricular activities at Marietta High School and the Washington County Career Center. In the choir program she was a member of Cantabile and Vocal Point, she played soccer, ran track and was on the dance team. She was a member of Business Professionals of America, Student Council, Leo Club, and Student Ambassador of the Washington County Career Center. She is attending Muskingum University where she will be pole vaulting and throwing for the Muskies. She will also be singing in the choir and hopes to join clubs and organizations around campus. Her future plans include graduating Muskingum University double majoring in Animal Studies and Criminal Justice. After graduating she hopes to find a career with a zoo or as a K9 or equine police officer.

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Ava Gebczyk

Ava Gebczyk, 17, of Marietta, is the daughter of John and Michelle Gebczyk. She is a senior at Marietta High School and also attends Washington State Community College and West Virginia University at Parkersburg. After high school, she plans to continue at WVU-P to complete a degree in Elementary Education. She is a varsity runner for her high school cross country and track teams. Her special interests and hobbies include working with children, long distance running, hanging out with friends, drawing and painting, learning to play the electric guitar, skateboarding, crocheting, listening to music, and enjoying her pets. She has participated in community service activities such as volunteering at a local elementary school and volunteering for youth camp. She has received many academic awards for good grades in school. In sports, awards she has earned include All-District, MHS Athlete of the Week, and Southeastern District Cross Country, Division 1, Girl Athlete of the Year 2021. Her ambition in life is to make a difference in the lives of others, especially children as an elementary school teacher and to help animals by volunteering at the local humane society and shelters/organizations for homeless, abused, or injured animals.

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Mary Ellen Tokodi

Mary Ellen Tokodi, 17, is a senior at Parkersburg Catholic High School and currently resides in Marietta. She is an honors student who still enjoys participating in clubs, organizations and sports and her high school. She plays basketball, tennis, soccer, runs cross country all while still being academically challenged with National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl and Game Club. She is actively engaged in various community service initiatives, such as the Shop with a Cop program, Wreaths Across America, volunteering at the food pantry and providing tutoring assistance. She is an altar server and Eucharistic minister at both church and school. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, movies, travel and quality moments with family. Her ambition in life is to achieve both athletic and academic excellence at the college level with her ultimate goal to become a doctor giving back to her community helping others.

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Tiana Tauber

Tiana Tauber, 18, is originally from Parkersburg, and recent graduate of Parkersburg Catholic High School, where she was on the varsity volleyball and basketball teams.

She is currently attending West Liberty University pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing with a transfer to physician's assistant master's program option.

She enjoys writing short stories, volunteering in the community, practicing her faith, and making memories with friends and family.

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Lakyn Secrest

Lakyn Secrest, 20, is the daughter of Michelle and J.D. Secrest of Marietta. She is a 2021 graduate of Marietta High School and is a third-year undergraduate student at The Ohio State University majoring in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with minors in General Psychology and Human Nutrition. After graduation she plans to obtain a Masters Degree in Athletic Training. She is an active member of many clubs including the Athletic Training Club, Girlup, Planned Parenthood General Action and the Health Sciences Club. She is a volunteer with the Bride Program where she tutors Somali students of all ages. She also volunteers with the ARISE program.

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