Herald Report

A tradition marked its 109th year as Hiawatha celebrated its annual Halloween Frolic on Tuesday, Oct. 31. As part of the annual event, area high school senior girls participated in the Halloween Queen scholarship contest. The girls were judged on an essay, talent and interview, along with leadership skills, community involvement and scholastic achievements.

This year, senior Harper Smith, Miss Sabetha, was named the 2023 Hiawatha Halloween Queen. Smith vied for the title of queen along with nine other contestants.

Miss Lena Leatherman of Doniphan West High School, is named first runner-up and Miss Nevaeh Rivera of Hiawatha High School is named Miss Congeniality.

The girls were awarded scholarships: Smith, $1,000; Leatherman, $500; and Rivera, $250.

Miss Sabetha

Miss Harper Ann Smith is of Sabetha High School. She is the daughter of Rick and Shelley Smith. Harper’s honors include a 4.0 GPA, National Honor Society, 4.0 Honor Roll, 2023 Dole Institute of Politics Youth Civic Leadership Institute, Rainbow Communications Youth Advisory Council, State 3A Forensics, Big 7 League Forensics, VFW Post 7285 Voice of Democracy winner, Honor Choir, KC Starlight Stars, All State District Choir, Student Council class officers, SADD and KAYs officer.

Her community and extracurricular activities include Cheer, Show Choir, school musical/play, forensics, Grains For Hope, competitive dance and band. She is a member of the Sabetha Methodist Church, where she has volunteered in several areas, United 4 Youth volunteer and Drama Camp staff volunteer.

Harper’s hobbies include singing and songwriting, guitar, dance and crafts. She has held employment at Mary Bell Studios, Sabetha Aquatic Center and JoyPop.

Harper plans to attend the University of Kansas, where she wants to dual major in music and business. She is sponsored by Mary Bell Studios.

Other Candidates

Other candidates this year include Miss Madison Anderson of Riverside High School, Miss Aubrey Jo Ferris of Hiawatha High School, Miss Isabelle Nicole Gaskell of Horton High School, Miss Zoey Hedrick of Hiawatha High School, Miss Maggie Leigh Heinen of Horton High School, Miss Mariah Jean Shafer of Hiawatha High School and Miss Samantha Smith of Horton High School.