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STANFORD — Melissa Maelynn Pendleton was named Miss Teen last Tuesday night in the Teddy Gilbert Pageant Pavilion at the Lincoln County Fair.

A sophomore at Lincoln County High School, Pendleton was chosen from a field of 16 statewide contestants for the title. Pendleton is the 15-year-old daughter of Heather and Waylon Pendleton of Hustonville.

Each of the Miss Teen contestants, who were judged on appearance, personality, poise and an off-stage interview with judges, was asked their three wishes in life, who they would want to be if they could be anyone else and what they enjoyed about summer vacation and why.

For her wishes, Pendleton said she would like to have super speed, to pitch a perfect softball game and for girls of all ages to know that they don’t have to choose between heels and cleats – they can wear both. Pendleton chose Jennie Finch, a softball pitcher and first baseman who was a collegiate All-American and medal-winning Olympian, as the person she would choose to be saying, “she has inspired young girls all across the country through her pitching successes.”

When it comes to her summer vacation, Pendleton said she likes the hot summer days because it means extra time outside with friends and family.

Along with her title and crown, Pendleton received a sash, pin, and $50 cash award. She also received a $50 clothing allowance, room expenses and pageant fee for the Miss Teen Kentucky County Fair Pageant in Louisville in October where she will represent Lincoln County.

Finishing as Miss Teen first runner-up was Chloe Grace Wesley. Wesley, 14, the daughter of Matt and Shavahn Wesley of LIberty, was presented a $25 cash award and gift.

The three wishes of the Casey County High School sophomore were to travel the world, become a well-known fashion designer and go on a mission trip. Wesley chose Meghan Markle as the person she would choose to be because “I think it would be cool to be royalty.” She said what she enjoyed about the summer break was spending time with friends and traveling to the beach with her family because she likes making memories with them.

Trinady Leigh Warinner, 13, of Clinton County was named the winner of the Interview Award. Warinner, the daughter of Michael and Robyn Warinner, is a freshman at Clinton County High School. Her three wishes were a cure for cancer, a jacked-up, blacked-out Dodge Ram and travel around the world without having to worry about money. Warinner said she would choose to remain herself and to make God proud. She said she enjoys traveling to different places during summer break to race dirt bikes.

The judges cut the 16 contestants down to the Top 7 before naming the top winners. Those finalists along with Pendleton, Wesley and Warinner were Peyton Jean Ramsey, Natalee Ann Foster, Madison LeeAnne Humphries and Brooklyn Sue Johnson.

A People’s Choice winner was also announced at the conclusion of the pageant, with the winner chosen by audience vote. Jersey BreAnn McGinnis, 14, of Harrodsburg was the top vote-getter. The Mercer County High School freshman is the daughter of Brent and Tracy McGinnis. Her wishes were to have a houseboat, have a twin and for all the homeless people to have a home and food to eat. She also chose Jennie Finch as the person she would choose to be. During summer break, she said she enjoys going to the lake, playing softball and going to county fairs because she gets to spend time with family and friends.

Rounding out the list of Miss Teen candidates are: Natalee Ann Foster, 13, daughter of Jennifer Letner and Erik Foster, Somerset; Lily Neighbors, 13, daughter of Brian and Heather Neighbors, Stanford; Brooklyn Sue Johnson, 13, daughter of Kendall and Donna Johnson, Waynesburg; Kaitlynn Paige Hunt, 12, daughter of James and Nikki Hunt, Stanford; Peyton Jean Ramsey, 14, daughter of Andy and Kim Powell and Clay and Shelby Ramsey, Stanford; Sydnee Ann Muse, 13, daughter of Jessica Murphy and James Muse, Albany; Madison Faith Flynn, 12, daughter of Jennifer and Stephen Flynn, Somerset; Kadence Alexus Edwards, 13, daughter of Karla Curtsinger and Clint Edwards, Harrodsburg; Madison RaeAnn Shirley, 15, daughter of Randy and Angie Wheet, Somerset; Marissa Cook, 14, daughter of Scottie and Lesa Cook, Stanford; Halana Faith Strunk, 13, daughter of Scott and Ashley Strunk, Science Hill; and Madison LeeAnne Humphries, 14, daughter of Danny and Denise Humphries, Owenton.