During Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 12, Twin Valley South teacher Amanda Beneke was recognized as the Oktoberfest Citizen of the Year.
WEST ALEXANDRIA — During Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 12, Twin Valley South teacher Amanda Beneke was recognized as the Oktoberfest Citizen of the Year.
Beneke was featured in the Oktoberfest parade and awarded her certificate by West Alexandria Celebration Committee Vice-President Gretchen Pearce on Saturday. She was selected after past students and other community members recognized her for all of her time and efforts in the community, and sent in their nominations.
Beneke has been a Twin Valley South math and science teacher for 17 years, is the Invention League Adviser (where a student has made it to Nationals every year,) and was the 2022 Ohio Invention League Teacher of Excellence. She is a grant writer for technology for students, heads up the Washington D.C. trips for students each year, and is a TVS Teacher Mentor.
Outside of her profession, she volunteers for West Alexandria Baseball Organization, is the Vice President for Alpha Kappa Sorority, a TVS Band Booster volunteer, and head advisor of Preble County Dairy Goat 4-H Club.
The West Alexandria Celebration Committee thanks those who contributed and all who attended the annual Oktoberfest.
Also following opening ceremonies on Saturday, 2023 Oktoberfest Queen Peyton Pitcox presented this year‘s crown to 2024 Oktoberfest Queen Jordan Ritchie.
First runner-up was Valen Burkett, and second runner-up is Alexis Turpin. The queen won a $150 scholarship, first runner-up won $100, and second runner-up won $50. Each also received a tiara, sash, and flowers provided by Alpha Kappa Sorority and their sponsors.
Queen Ritchie is a TVS senior who is active in FFA, Hope Squad, National Honor Society, Student Council, SADD, Photography Club, basketball and soccer. After high school she plans to attend college and major in pre-med or pre-law.
First runner-up Burkett is a TVS senior. She is actively involved in varsity soccer, SADD, Hope Squad, Sandwich Club, Student Council, National Honor Society and Photography Club. After graduation, she plans to attend college and obtain a degree in sports and exercise psychology.
Second runner-up Turpin is a TVS senior and is actively involved with FFA, softball, cross country, the county fair, Pork Festival and Oktoberfest. She plans to attend Capitol University and earn a degree in psychology in order to become a mental health therapist.
Nineteen children competed in the Eighth Annual Oktoberfest Miss and Mr. Pageant, hosted by Alpha Kappa Sorority, with the help of local sponsors.
Each Miss and Mr. Pageant contestant received candy, a small toy, a t-shirt, and a certificate. Winners also received a gift card, sash, and a tiara or fedora.
The 2024 Oktoberfest Miss and Mr. pageant winners included: Baby Miss Ruby Brunson, Tiny Miss Stella Foster, Tiny Mr. Jackson Schooley, Little Miss Brynn Comer, Little Mr. Andrew Schooley, Mini Miss Scarlett Smith, Young Miss Zoee Johnson, Young Mr. Russell Worley, Preteen Miss Annie Johnson, Preteen Mr. Jace Beneke, Teen Miss Zoey Beneke.
Most Poised was Annie Johnson, Most Dapper was Jace Beneke, Best Personality was Alexander Meadows, Show Stopper was Brynn Comer, Most Festive was Everly Richardson, and Best Overall was Andrew Schooley.
Alpha Kappa Sorority is a philanthropic organization that raises funds for two TVS scholarships, hosts a number of community events, and contributes to various needs throughout the community. For additional information, visit Facebook at Alpha Kappa Sorority West Alexandria.
