July 13, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
Baylei Anne Benson of Smithville won the Miss Sweetheart pageant Wednesday night at the DeKalb County Fair. She is the 12-year-old daughter of Karey and John Washer and Christopher Benson. She was also named Most Photogenic.
Benson succeeds the retiring Miss Sweetheart Charley Loren Prichard of Liberty, the 11-year-old daughter of Andy and Chrissy Prichard.
The pageant featured 14 girls ages 10-12.
Eleven-year-old Callen Alizabeth Tramel, daughter of Caleb and Hillary Tramel of Smithville was first runner-up in the pageant.
Second runner-up went to Lakelyn Brooke Nelson, 12-year-old daughter of Dustin and Kristian Nelson of Smithville.
Kenli Faith Fish, 12-year-old daughter of Tiffany Pedigo and Cody Fish of Smithville was voted Miss Congeniality.
Rounding out the top 10 were London McNew, 12 year old daughter of Sarah Pippin of Smithville; Keyleigh Billings, 11 year old daughter of Dusty and Chelsea Billings of Smithville; Kenli Faith Fish, 12 year old daughter of Tiffany Pedigo and Cody Fish of Smithville; Lyra Dell McMinn, 11 year old daughter of Nathan McMinn and Amanda and Jake Franklin of Smithville; Ella Grace Kirksey, 12 year old daughter of Sabrina and Graden Kirksey of Smithville; Cora Marie Cox, 12 year old daughter of Brandon and Whitney Cox of Smithville; and Mila Marie Goff, 10 year old daughter of James and Krista Goff of Smithville.
Others in the pageant were Rebekah Goss of Dowelltown, 11-year-old daughter of Anne White and the late Rich Goss; Arraya Jenae Taylor, 10-year-old daughter of Angie Taylor of Smithville; Brylee Michelle Key, 11-year-old daughter of Shannon and Holly Key of Alexandria; and MaKenzli Ashlynn Thomas, 10-year-old daughter of Crystal Stibil of Smithville.