Hi everyone! My name is Corie Hasler, and I am the reigning 2013 Miss Edgar County Fair Queen. I am from Paris, Illinois and currently reside in Edwardsville Illinois where I attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and am on the path to receiving my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. I also work in St. Louis, Missouri and work at Barnes-Jewish Hospital as a Student Nurse Technician in the Labor and Delivery unit. I graduate next May, and am beyond excited to begin my nursing career! This past whirlwind of a year as Miss Edgar County Fair Queen has been without a doubt one of the most wonderful, and life-changing experiences of my life. I was chosen to fulfill one of the most treasured and beloved duties within our county – to serves as a representative of the Edgar County Fair, and to act as a role model for young girls throughout the area. There is no feeling quite like knowing you have been given the chance to be someone that young girls look up to – a young woman who epitomizes strength, intelligence, and self confidence. I have been so blessed to have been given this opportunity, and will be forever grateful for this amazing chance to give back to the county that I have loved and known my entire life. Throughout this last year, I have participated in numerous activities throughout my county and the state of Illinois, including various parades, festivals, and of course, the 2014 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant! Attending the annual IAAF Convention and participating in the state queen pageant was truly the highlight of my year. Not only was I in the company of some of the most beautiful, intelligent, and well-rounded women in the state, but I was able to meet many significant individuals involved in our state’s agricultural industry, as well as past queens and pageant crews from all over the state. Aside from all of the emotions that weekend (nerves, anxiety, and excitement… the list goes on!), most importantly, I had the time of my life! I am also very proud to say that I was selected as a Top 15 finalist, and was able to compete in the final round of the pageant! All in all, it was an experience like no other. What an amazing opportunity to learn, connect, and grow as an individual. Of course, this year would not have been the amazing year that it was without the support and love of many people. I owe and attribute all of my success this year to my pageant director, Tracy Quinn-Porter, as well as the Edgar County Fair Board. They have truly made me feel like a queen, and welcomed me into their fair family with open arms. I also owe a tremendous thank you to all of my family and friends – they were by my side throughout the entire year, cheering for me, laughing with me, and capturing each and every moment on camera. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful support system and fan club. I would also like to encourage all of you to attend this years 2014 Miss Edgar County Fair Queen Pageant, which will kick of the 2014 Edgar County Fair on July 20th at 7 pm. I would love to have an amazing crowd and lots of visiting royalty to cheer on this year’s contestants! I would also highly encourage any young girls who are interested in participating in their county’s pageant to look into it. It is truly the experience of a lifetime, allowing you to develop communication and public speaking skills, as well as poise, confidence, and composure. And not to mention, life as a queen is pretty great! Thank you everyone, for allowing me to share my story and my experiences! It has truly been a pleasure! Corie Hasler 2013 Miss Edgar County Fair Queen