The Queen Neelah experience is about so much more than the moments on stage
during Talent and Coronation. Each event is thoughtfully designed to build confidence,
friendships, develop life ski ls, and create memories that last a lifetime. Behind every
Queen Neelah tradition is a devoted committee of volunteers who pour their time,
talent, and encouragement into making this experience special for each candidate.
These committees are led by co-chairs that help create the moments that make Queen
Neelah a cherished part of the Neewollah tradition, and Generalissimo Cody Dixon is
proud to announce the dedicated co-chairs serving in these roles for 2026.
T
he Summer Workshop, co-chaired by Elizabeth Goad and Megan Lawrence, gives
potential candidates the opportunity to learn more about Queen Neelah, ask
questions, and gain inspiration through a fashion show featuring ideas for pageant
attire. Valerie Davis and Elisa Beshear, both mothers of past Queen Neelahs, will host
Coffee and Conversation for parents and guardians, which provides valuable insight
into the Queen Neelah experience, offering an opportunity to learn what to expect
and ask questions.
The official kickoff of Queen Neelah begins with the Pop Party, co-chaired by Dee Dee
O’Malley and Lisa Wilson. While not a judged event, this fun and encouraging
afternoon allows candidates to gather together, learn about etiquette, and become
familiar with the practices and expectations that wi l guide them throughout their
Queen Neelah journey.
Several volunteers work behind the scenes to prepare the candidates for judged
events. The Interview Workshop, led by Shanda Chambers and Shelley Schultz, will
provide candidates with a valuable opportunity to sit one-on-one with mock judges
and showcase their ability to communicate, think on their feet, and confidently share
who they are. The Runway Workshop, led by Jodi Hayse, will help candidates prepare
for their runway appearance during Coronation by focusing on confidence, posture,
and graceful presentation.
Walk-In is a special Coronation tradition where candidates arrive at the front steps of
Memorial Hal in their beautiful evening gowns and are escorted into the building.
Gregg and Sandy Webster wi l host a Walk-In Workshop to teach candidates how to
carry themselves with poise and elegance, while also helping Stage Escorts and
candidate dates learn proper escorting techniques. Logan Taylor and Haley Marchant
will coordinate transportation for Coronation Walk-In, ensuring each candidate has the
opportunity to arrive at Memorial Hal in style for this memorable and highly anticipated
evening.
The Queen’s Tea, co-chaired by Morgan Baxter and Emily Clubine, will be the first
judged event and wi l give candidates the opportunity to meet the judges, participate
in small-group conversations, and demonstrate poise, confidence, and conversational
ski ls. The Queen’s Brunch, co-chaired by Ashley Bemo and Breezy LaForge, wi l give
candidates another chance to interact with judges as they continue to practice their
communication and interpersonal ski ls that are a valuable part of the Queen Neelah
process.
The Queen Neelah judges are an important part of the experience, and Abby Emert
and Beth Kelly will serve as Judges Co-Chairs. They will welcome the judges to
Independence, help coordinate their schedules, and escort them to events. As part of
their time in Independence, the judges will attend a Judges Dinner that will be hosted
by Bryan Emert and Simon Heckman.
Following Coronation, candidates, Neelah Debs, escorts, and their dates will attend the
Coronation Bal. This memorable tradition will be coordinated by Aubree Odell and
Shayla Schaper. Before riding in the Grand Parade on Saturday morning, they will
gather for the Pre-Parade Breakfast, co-chaired by Kayla Schabel and Cassie Rutland,
for one final opportunity to celebrate the friendships and memories made throughout
their Queen Neelah journey.
The Neewollah Stage Escorts, co-chaired by Joe and Haley Barker, play an important
role in supporting the Queen candidates. These senior boys will assist candidates
throughout practices and Talent Night by helping move sets and props and later escort
candidates on stage during Coronation. The Escorts Etiquette and Interview Workshop,
led by Sam Blackard and Dan Reynolds, wi l help escorts develop confidence,
professionalism, and valuable ski ls while preparing for their role.
A beloved Neewolah tradition is the Queen Neelah Window Display at Neewolah
Headquarters. Featuring the beautiful headshots of each candidate, and photos of the
Neelah Debs and Stage Escorts, the display is creatively designed each year and
enjoyed by the community throughout the weeks leading up to and during the festival.
This year’s window display will be created by Lindsay McBride and Alicia Yates.
Additional volunteers contribute behind the scenes to ensure the Queen Neelah
experience is captured and celebrated for years to come. Kirsten Byrd and Denise
Hines coordinate the Data Workshop, helping gather important candidate information
used throughout Talent and Coronation. Chandler Keley wi l create the Queen’s
Scrapbook, a treasured keepsake for the newly crowned Queen Neelah. Nelie
Mendoza will lead the Button Committee, capturing photos and creating buttons worn
by family and friends as they proudly support their candidate, escort, or Neelah Deb.
Each of these traditions represents the heart of Queen Neelah, a community coming
together to encourage young women, celebrate their accomplishments, and create
memories that extend far beyond the pageant. The dedication of these volunteers
ensures that every candidate’s Queen Neelah experience is fi led with support, growth,
friendship, and moments they wi l cherish for years to come.