Schlatter Crowned 2026 Paulding County Fair Queen; Workman Named Fair King

PAULDING – The Paulding County Fairgrounds was filled with excitement Monday evening, June 8, as a new group of Junior Fair royalty was recognized during the annual Paulding County Junior Fair King and Queen contest.

The evening began with recognition of the 2026 Junior Fair Prince and Princess. Emily McClure was introduced as the 2026 Junior Fair Princess. She is the daughter of Brandon and Nikki McClure. Garrett Wilhelm was named the 2026 Junior Fair Prince and is the son of Mike and Danielle Wilhelm.

The 2026 Junior Fair Queen finalists were then introduced to the audience. The contestants included Kendall Kohart, Myleigh Sheets, and Victoria “Tori” Schlatter.

Kendall Kohart, daughter of Andrew and Jessica Kohart, is a freshman at Paulding High School. She is a member of the Black Swamp Junior Farmers 4-H Club and is active in FFA and Junior Fair Board. Kohart plans to attend college and become an agricultural education teacher, saying her involvement in youth organizations has strengthened her passion for both agriculture and teaching.

Myleigh Sheets, daughter of Jason and Mary Sheets, is a recent graduate of Wayne Trace High School and the Vantage Career Center. A member of the Live Wires 4-H Club, Wayne Trace FFA, and Junior Fair Board, Sheets will attend The Ohio State University to study livestock production and management. She shared that her experiences in youth organizations have helped prepare her with valuable life skills for the future.

Victoria “Tori” Schlatter, daughter of Doug and Katie Schlatter, is a junior at Paulding High School. She is active in Paulding FFA and Junior Fair Board and plans to pursue a college degree in business. Slaughter said her involvement in youth organizations has helped develop public speaking and leadership skills that will benefit her throughout her education and career.

Also introduced was King finalist Owen Workman. Workman is the son of Mike and Jennifer Workman and is a sophomore at Paulding High School. He participates in Paulding FFA, Boy Scout Troop 19, and Junior Fair Board. He plans to pursue a career in automotive technology, sharing that his involvement in youth organizations has fostered his interest in working on engines.

During the interview portion of the competition, contestants answered questions drawn at random. When asked what she had learned through her fair experiences, Slaughter responded that hard work goes a long way and that “whatever you put into it is what you get out of it.” Workman shared that the Paulding County Fair is special because of the opportunities it provides to help others and bring people together.

Before the announcement of the results, the 2025 Junior Fair King and Queen reflected on their year of service.

Outgoing King Seth Rosswurm thanked the community for its support and encouraged the contestants. He spoke about the lessons he learned through 4-H and Junior Fair, including responsibility, leadership, and perseverance.

“One of the biggest lessons that 4-H taught me is responsibility,” Ross said. “Through that, I learned that losing can teach you more than winning. The winner gets congratulations, but the loser can find ways to improve and come back stronger next time.”

Outgoing Queen Brooklyn Schlatter reflected on the friendships and experiences she gained while representing Paulding County throughout the year.

“Wearing the crown and sash during events in Paulding County is something I will never forget,” Schlatter said. “This experience helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve become more confident meeting new people and forming meaningful connections.”

Schlatter encouraged the newly selected royalty to enjoy every moment of the experience.

“This year will go by faster than you think, so make the most of it,” she said. “Build connections and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Following the remarks, the 2026 Paulding County Junior Fair royalty court was announced.

Kendall Kohart was named Second Runner-Up Queen, while Myleigh Sheets was selected as First Runner-Up Queen.

Owen Workman was crowned the 2026 Paulding County Junior Fair King.

The title of 2026 Paulding County Junior Fair Queen was awarded to Victoria “Tori” Schlatter.

The newly crowned royalty will spend the coming year representing the Paulding County Junior Fair and serving as ambassadors for the many opportunities available through 4-H, FFA, and other youth organizations throughout the county.