Cassie Cox
Within the same week, Sarah Niles was crowned twice, being named Pumpkin Queen and North’s Homecoming Queen.
Niles was chosen by North Decatur High School’s Assistant Principal, Rod Hite, along with Alex Pulskamp to represent the school at the Versailles Pumpkin Show. Thirteen schools selected a boy and girl for a chance at royalty in the contest for king and queen. Niles had to give a speech about herself, model an evening gown and answer an impromptu question.
Niles’ speech included her parents’ names, school activities, and future plans. Her parents are Andy and Noreen Niles. She is a student athletic trainer, booster club member, FCCLA member, nursing student at Columbus East through C-4 and a guidance office aid. Last year, she was a host sister for a foreign exchange student. Her future plans are going to college for a major in nursing; perhaps forensic nursing.
Niles was given the impromptu question, “Are the best things in life free?”
“No, because the best things in life come from something that you have to work hard for,” Niles was quick to respond.
Niles was crowned Pumpkin Queen on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Two days later, she won Homecoming Queen at North Decatur High School. Her escort was her fellow Versailles Pumpkin Show representative Alex Pulskamp.
After claiming the Pumpkin crown, Niles felt winning Homecoming in the same week was a shock.
“I just had a lucky week I guess, which is suprising because I am never lucky,” Niles said. “I also felt bad considering I was Homecoming Princess three years ago. I do think other people should have the same experience, but I was very honored.”
After a long night Friday of helping at the Homecoming Dance in her new sash and tiara, Niles had to wake up early the next morning to attend the Versailles Pumpkin Show. She was in the parade that lasted more than an hour and a half. She received cool prizes, but enjoyed meeting Miss America the most.
“Miss America, Katie Stan, was so awesome and totally beautiful! I just felt bad for her having to smile so much. Her cheeks had to be killing her, but she was great,” Niles excitedly said of her time spent with Miss America.
Next year, Niles will be busy returning to the Versailles Pumpkin Show and North Decatur Homecoming to crown the new queens. She is looking forward to asking the impromptu questions to the new hopefuls to be Pumpkin Queen.
Now that she has had a double shot of royal glory, will Niles continue entering pageants?
“There probably won’t be any more pageants for me. I have already had my good fortune and luck so I should quit while I’m ahead,” Niles said.
