The winner of the Queen Genevieve competition will be chosen by a panel of judges at the scholarship pageant held in the Lafayette Hotel Ballroom, Saturday, September 10. Interviews will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the on-stage competition following at 11:00 a.m. The scores are tabulated by a local accounting firm. The selection of Queen Genevieve will be announced at the Coronation Ceremony, on September 10, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. on the barge.
We are pleased to award a total of $3,250.00 in scholarship money to this year’s winner and runners-up. The Queen candidates must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution. This year’s winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship, 1st runner-up a $750 scholarship, and 2nd runner-up a $500 scholarship. An additional $500 scholarship has also been donated by Washington State Community College.
Deadline for entry is June 25, 2022.
We wish to thank all the businesses whose contributions make this pageant possible by their contributions.
Ava Gebczyk is 17 years old and lives in Marietta, Ohio with her parents John and Michelle Gebczyk, her older brother, Jantzen, and her twin brother Caden. She is a senior at Marietta High School and also attends Washington State Community College and West Virginia University-Parkersburg. After high school, she plans to continue at West Virginia University-Parkersburg to complete a degree in Elementary Education. She is a varsity runner for her high school cross country and track teams. Her special interests and hobbies include working with children, long distance running, hanging out with friends, drawing and painting, learning to play the electric guitar, skateboarding, crocheting, listening to music, and enjoying my pets. Ava has participated in community service activities such as volunteering at a local elementary school and volunteering for youth camp. She has received many academic awards for good grades in school. In sports, awards she has earned include All-District, MHS Athlete of the Week, and Southeastern District Cross Country, Division 1, Girl Athlete of the Year 2021. Ava’s ambition in life is to make a difference in the lives of others, especially children as an elementary school teacher and to help animals by volunteering at my local humane society and shelters/organizations for homeless, abused, or injured animals.
I am a passionate and driven individual who constantly seeks personal growth and strives to make a positive impact on those around me. With a diverse background and a thirst for knowledge, I have excelled in various fields, displaying adaptability and a strong work ethic. In my free time, I enjoy engaging in creative pursuits, such as painting and writing, finding solace in nature and regularly immersing myself in outdoor activities that rejuvenate my mind. I find immense satisfaction in offering my support and assistance, whether it be through lending a listening ear or providing guidance. My empathetic nature allows me to understand the needs and concerns of those around me, making myself out to be a reliable source of support and comfort for anyone who needs it. Therefore, I am interested and attending college at Ohio University for a major in Psychology. I embrace my passion for psychology and embark on this incredible journey of self-discovery and helping others. With a burning desire to make a difference in the world, I’m determined to leave a lasting legacy that inspires others to follow their dreams and contribute to the betterment of society.
Melina Matics is the 19-year-old daughter of Jeff and Sloane Matics of Marietta. She is a 2022 graduate of Wood County Christian School and is currently studying radiologic technology at Washington State Community College. Melina is an 11-year member of Ohio 4-H. Through 4-H Melina serves on the Washington County and Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Boards, is a Teen Representative on the Washington County 4-H Advisory Committee and the Ohio 4-H Foundation Board. She also serves on the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council and was inducted into the Ohio 4-H Teen Hall of Fame in 2023. She is a member of Souls Harbor Baptist Church where she volunteers in the children’s ministry. In her free time, she enjoys working on her 4-H projects and taking care of her market chickens and market ducks in the summer months, as well as spending time with friends and family. Melina’s ambition in life is to pursue a career in diagnostic imaging and continuing her education to expand her career options in the medical field.
I am Lakyn Secrest, the 20-year-old daughter of Michelle and J.D. Secrest of Marietta. I am a 2021 graduate of Marietta High School and am a thirdyear undergraduate student at The Ohio State University majoring in Health and 2023 QUEEN CANDIDATES Rehabilitation Sciences with minors in General Psychology and Human Nutrition. After graduation I plan to obtain a Masters Degree in Athletic Training. I am an active member of many clubs including the Athletic Training Club, Girlup, Planned Parenthood General Action and the Health Sciences Club. I am a volunteer with the Bride Program where I tutor Somali students of all ages. I also volunteer with the ARISE program which is an intergenerational program working to bridge the gap between older and younger generations. Wishing everyone a wonderful time at this year’s Ohio River Sternwheel Festival.
Kenzie Smith is the 19-year-old daughter of Brad and LeeAndra Smith of Marietta. Kenzie is very involved within her community. In 4-H she has worked various dinners, ice cream socials and helped mulch playgrounds. She wrote Christmas cards to soldiers overseas, helped clean local roads, and collect donations for the humane society. Kenzie was also very involved in extracurricular activities at Marietta High School and the Washington County Career Center. In the choir program she was a member of Cantabile and Vocal Point, she played soccer, ran track and was on the dance team. Kenzie was a member of Business Professionals of America, Student Council, Leo Club, and Student Ambassador of the Washington County Career Center. Kenzie is attending Muskingum University where she will be pole vaulting and throwing for the Muskies. She will also be singing in the choir and hopes to join clubs and organizations around campus. Kenzie’s future plans include graduating Muskingum University double majoring in Animal Studies and Criminal Justice. After graduating she hopes to find a career with a zoo or as a K9 or equine police officer.
Mary Ellen Tokodi is a 17-year-old senior at Parkersburg Catholic High School and currently resides in Marietta, Ohio. She is an honors student who still enjoys participating in clubs, organizations and sports and her high school. She plays basketball, tennis, soccer, runs cross country all while still being academically challenged with National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl and Game Club. Mary Ellen is actively engaged in various community service initiatives, such as the Shop with a Cop program, Wreaths Across America, volunteering at the food pantry and providing tutoring assistance. She is an altar server and Eucharistic minister at both church and school. In her leisure time, Mary Ellen enjoys reading, movies, travel and quality moments with family. Her ambition in life is to achieve both athletic and academic excellence at the college level with her ultimate goal to become a doctor giving back to her community helping others.
Hello, my name is Tiana Tauber, on behalf of the 2023 Queen Genevieve candidates I would like to welcome you to scenic Marietta, Ohio to celebrate the 47th Annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival. I am 18 years old, originally from Parkersburg, WV; a recent graduate of Parkersburg Catholic High School, where I was on the varsity volleyball and basketball teams. I miss my PCHS family and high school clubs, sports, events, faculty/staff but am representing the MOV well atop the hill at West Liberty University. I am pursing a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a transfer to physician’s assistant master’s program option. I enjoy writing short stories, volunteering in my community, practicing my faith, and making memories with friends and family. Please take this opportunity to indulge in some fair food, support a local vendor, and above all create lasting memories with your family and friends enjoying all of the wonderful events and performances the Sternwheel committee has prepared for you. Thank you to all the boat captains for coming out and the committee volunteers for making this weekend possible.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Courtney Wentz for her exceptional photography. Her skillful lens has beautifully immortalized Queen Genevieve, Queen candidates, and Little Miss and Mr. Sternwheel, preserving these cherished moments for us all.
The availability and location of concession spaces will be determined by the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival Committee due to electrical & water services available to us. We will try to accommodate choices as much as possible.
Each year, the Ohio River Sternwheel festival draws crowds of up to 100,000 people to Ohio’s oldest city for a party in the streets. At the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, festival-goers enjoy paddle-wheelers, events, and the famous fireworks display. Our sponsors and volunteers are essential for the continuation of this beloved festival tradition in our riverboat town.
Help new generations fall in love with historic Marietta by supporting the area’s biggest annual celebration.
The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta, Ohio takes place the weekend after labor day. Enjoy a weekend of family fun, fireworks and more. Admission is free.