2018
Idaho County Fair Royalty
Program teaches hard work By Lorie Palmer Idaho County Free Press “Having the opportunity to represent such an amazing program is an unforgettable experience that I will always hold close to my heart.” Chmelik is the 2018 Idaho County Fair queen. She is the daughter of Joe and the late Julie Chmelik of Grangeville. She has three sisters: Abigail Haight, 22; Jolene, 20; and Maggie, 19. She is a past member of Fenn Livestock 4-H Club and has participated in track and field at GHS as well as HOSA and student council. She is employed as a sales associate at CHS Primeland and has volunteered for Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup and with Chocolate Fantasy and various other Sts. Peter and Paul Parish activities, including as rector and with the choir. “This year has been so amazing, and I’ve made two best friends and created memories,” Chmelik said. “Being fair royalty has made me a better person. It has taught me diligence, respect, loyalty and hard work. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.” Following high school graduation, she plans to attend Boise State University to study investigative journalism and criminal justice writing. 
It’s been ‘so much fun’ By Lorie Palmer Idaho County Free Press “It has truly been so much fun,” she said. “I never knew how much fun and how many little kids really look up to us. I’ve enjoyed every second representing Idaho County.” Poxleitner graduated from Prairie High School in 2018. She is the daughter of Dave and Marsha Poxleitner and granddaughter of Harold “Bud” Poxleitner of Cottonwood. She has a twin brother, Brad, who is 19, and a sister, Savannah, who is 24. In high school, she ran cross-country, played basketball and softball and was a member of FFA, BPA and HOSA. She has also been a volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital and currently works as a CNA at the Monastery of St. Gertrude. This fall, Poxleitner plans to attend Boise State University and study radiology. Poxleitner said she encourages other girls to try out for royalty because “you learn to be confident and happy with yourself and begin to have new best friends and make so many memories you will cherish forever,” she said. 
‘Very rewarding’ By Lorie Palmer Idaho County Free Press Gehring is the daughter of Gerry and Valery Gehring, granddaughter of Bonnie Gehring of Cottonwood, and has five siblings: Britney, 27; Cheryl, 23; Andy, 21; Darlene, 19; and Jade, 14. Gehring is a senior at Prairie High School and is a member of Keuterville Livestock 4-H Club, participates in high school track, Prairie League and is a student body spirit leader. She is also active in St. Mary’s Church youth group and works on her dad’s farm and at the Cottonwood Sales Yard. “This has been a great experience, and it’s a way to learn skills such as how to be a leader, get along with others and be a good role model,” Gehring said. Following graduation from high school, Gehring plans to attend the University of Idaho and study agriculture business and veterinary science. |
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