07/28/2026
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 skills, 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.
The 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 will 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 Hall in their beautiful evening gowns and are es**rted into the building. Gregg and Sandy Webster will 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 es**rting techniques. Logan Taylor and Haley Marchant will coordinate transportation for Coronation Walk-In, ensuring each candidate has the opportunity to arrive at Memorial Hall 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 will give candidates the opportunity to meet the judges, participate in small-group conversations, and demonstrate poise, confidence, and conversational skills. The Queen’s Brunch, co-chaired by Ashley Bemo and Breezy LaForge, will give candidates another chance to interact with judges as they continue to practice their communication and interpersonal skills 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 es**rt 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, es**rts, and their dates will attend the Coronation Ball. 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 es**rt candidates on stage during Coronation. The Escorts Etiquette and Interview Workshop, led by Sam Blackard and Dan Reynolds, will help es**rts develop confidence, professionalism, and valuable skills while preparing for their role.
A beloved Neewollah tradition is the Queen Neelah Window Display at Neewollah 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 Kelley will create the Queen’s Scrapbook, a treasured keepsake for the newly crowned Queen Neelah. Nellie Mendoza will lead the Button Committee, capturing photos and creating buttons worn by family and friends as they proudly support their candidate, es**rt, 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 filled with support, growth, friendship, and moments they will cherish for years to come.
