Graff is the fairest

Thursday, August 14, 2008 12:29 PM CDT

Amanda Graff of rural Reeseville was crowned the 2008 Dodge County fairest of the fair Wednesday night. She received congratulations from State Fairest of the Fair Claire Carroll and the 2007 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair Katie Rhodes. (JOHN HART/Daily Times)

BEAVER DAM - A 19-year-old rural Reeseville woman was crowned the 25th Dodge County Fairest of the Fair Wednesday night at the Dodge County Fairgrounds.

Amanda Graff, the daughter of Terry and Diane Graff, was named this year's fairest of the fair among the 10 contestants.

“I am very excited to take on this role,” Graff said following the ceremonies at the WTKM radio station stage. “I can't wait to enjoy the fair at a different level,” she added.

Graff is currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in social work and legal studies with a certificate in criminal justice. Her goal is to work in child services and government policies. She is involved in the Students for Non-Profits Madison Chapter while attending UW-Madison. Graff works at the Dane County YMCA and volunteers at the Marshall Youth Center.

She is a graduate of Waterloo High School and graduate of the 4-H program, having been a member of the Portland Boosters for many years. She is a 4-H Key Award recipient, the highest award presented to 4-H members.

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In January, she will compete for the title of state fairest of the fair in Wisconsin Dells. The 2008 State Fairest of the Fair Claire Carroll of Langlade County was present Wednesday night at the Dodge County finals.

The 2007 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair, Katie Rhodes, was named the first runner-up at the state competition.

“Over the past year I realized what makes the fair so special,” Rhodes said during her farewell address. “It is the people. It was truly a pleasure to represent the Dodge County Fair,” she added.

Emily McAleavey, Rubicon, was named the first runner-up in the competition. McAleavey, 19, is the daughter of Chuck and Kathy McAleavey and a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where she is pursuing a degree in Spanish education with a minor in music and business. Her goal is to study abroad in Spain. McAleavey was a 10-year member of the Neosho Utopians 4-H Club. In 2006, she was named the Dodge County Fire Queen.

Other contestants included Cassandra Bauer, Burnett; Amanda Hetzel, Rubicon; Melanie Klietz, Beaver Dam; Brittni Marshall, Watertown; Lynn Paszek, Juneau; Kimberley Schmitt, Lowell; Abigail Sielaff, Oconomowoc; and Alyssa Wolfram, Juneau.

Judges for the event were Sandra Budewitz, owner of Sandra D's Bridal Boutique Shoppe in Watertown, Steve Fitzgerald, U.S. Marshal and former Dodge County sheriff; and Deb Newell, Ozaukee County Leaders Association.

Applicants were evaluated on community activities, personality, poise and speaking ability. Each contestant presented a commercial and were asked an impromptu question by master of ceremonies, Scott Lopas of WTKM radio in Hartford.

Preliminary judging was held July 14 at the Bayside Supper Club in Beaver Dam.