Four outstanding candidates will be competing this summer for the title of 2024 Tama County Fair Queen including (clockwise from top left) Stella Betts, Faith Dvorak, Amaya Peterson, and Ava Monat. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

GLADBROOK – The 2024 Tama County Fair Queen candidates were recently announced and this year include four outstanding candidates: 2024 Gladbrook-Reinbeck graduate Amaya Peterson of rural Gladbrook; 2024 GMG graduate Stella Betts of rural Gladbrook; North Tama rising senior Ava Monat of rural Traer; and North Tama rising senior Faith Dvorak of Elberon.

This is the first time since at least 2015 the contest has garnered four or more candidates.

Crowning of the 2024 Tama County Fair Queen and Princess is set for Tuesday, July 16, around 7 p.m. at the Tama County Fairgrounds in Gladbrook.

Candidate biographies are printed below. Best of luck to all the candidates!

Stella Betts

Stella Betts.

Eighteen-year-old Stella Betts, daughter of Nick Betts and the late Jodi Derifield-Betts, is a graduate of Green Mountain-Garwin Secondary School and a pillar of her rural Gladbrook community.

A well-rounded student, Stella actively participated in volleyball, golf, National Honor Society, and Christian Fellowship during her high school years. She also demonstrated leadership as a Vice President of Community Services in the Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) program.

Stella’s dedication extends beyond the classroom walls. She actively serves on the Teen Advisory Board (TAB), Junior Auxiliary, and the Tama County Council. She shares her knowledge with younger generations by teaching Sunday School and is a member of the GMG FFA and Tama County 4-H.

Stella’s work ethic shines through her various commitments. She balances her studies with jobs at Crayon Corner Learning Center in Gladbrook, Beaman Grill-N-Pit, and even works as a nanny to two children in the summer. When she has free time, Stella prioritizes volunteering in her community.

Stella plans to attend La’ James International College in Cedar Falls to major in Cosmetology. Her ultimate dream is to return to Tama County and open her own business, giving back to her community that has shaped her all these years.

Faith Dvorak.

Faith Dvorak

Faith Dvorak, 17, is the daughter of Wes and Megan Dvorak of the small town of Elberon and is currently going into her senior year at North Tama High School.

While in high school, Faith enjoys her free time along with the things she loves doing including volleyball, wrestling, and softball. She is currently the Vice President for both student council and her 4-H Club, Clutier Cowboys and Cowgirls. She is also the secretary for her FFA chapter.

For her volleyball team she enjoys coaching and teaching the younger girls.

With all the time she has remaining she enjoys being with her family and hanging out with her friends. She also enjoys working with the livestock she plans to show at the fair.

Ava Monat.

Faith’s future plans are to attend Hawkeye Community College to excel as a labor and delivery nurse.

Ava Monat

Ava Monat, 17, is the daughter of Jeremy and Amber Monat of rural Traer and a rising senior at North Tama High School. While in high school, Ava’s activities include band, chorus, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, cross country, dance team, and soccer. She served as the FFA reporter for one year and also served as the female rep in Student Council for three years and is now the secretary in her senior year.

In her community, Ava is treasurer for the Clutier Cowboys and Cowgirls 4-H Club. She is also a member of County Council and Beef Team. She is active in her church youth group as well.

In her spare time, Ava works at the local grocery store, babysits for local families, and volunteers whenever she is able.

Amaya Peterson.

After high school Ava plans to attend Hawkeye Community College and major in early childhood education with an endorsement in agriculture.

Amaya Peterson

Amaya Peterson, 18, is the daughter of Loni and James Droigk of rural Gladbrook and a graduate of Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School.

While in high school, Amaya’s activities included 4-H, FFA, band – where she was the saxophone section leader, choir, speech, the fall musicals, and National Honor Society. Amaya was also involved in the student council where she served as president.

In her community, Amaya was president, secretary, reporter, and historian of the Wolfcreek Whirlwinds 4-H Club. Amaya attended the 77th Iowa American Legion Auxiliary Girls State. Amaya is also an active member of the Green Mountain United Church of Christ.

Amaya’s future plans are to attend Iowa State University where she hopes to major in agriculture and life sciences education with plans to become an ag teacher.