Ten young women were named as finalists for the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way. This past weekend, dairy princesses from across the state gathered for the annual May Leadership Event held May 16-17 at the Delta Hotel in Minneapolis. The weekend included opportunities for networking, leadership workshops, and a chance to compete for a finalist spot for Princess Kay of the Milky Way for young women rooted with a passion for dairy. This year’s theme of “Expanding the Possibilities” provided attendees with confidence in their leadership skills and knowledge through various inspiring and educational sessions.
To compete to be a finalist for Princess Kay of the Milky Way, each princess submitted an application, participated in a professional interview, prepared and delivered a speech, and participated in a mock media interview. Princess Kay candidates are judged on their general knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills, and enthusiasm for promoting dairy.
Of the participants, ten finalists were named and will go on to compete for the title of Minnesota’s 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way in late August of 2025.
This year’s finalists include:
- Natalie Clemenson; Zumbrota; daughter of Tiffany and Brian Clemenson; representing Goodhue County
- Monica Evers; Kellogg; daughter of Tammy and Jerry Evers; representing Wabasha County
- Paige Frenchick; Manannah; daughter of Melissa Tessmer and Josh Frenchick; representing Meeker County
- Nicole Hauschildt; Zumbro Falls; daughter of Stephanie and Chad Domke; representing Wabasha County
- Alexis Hoefs; New Prague; daughter of Lisa and James Hoefs; representing Le Sueur County
- April Klaphake; Sauk Centre; daughter of Jennifer and Mark Klaphake; representing Stearns County
- Heidi Montag; Sauk Rapids; daughter of Christa and Brian Montag; representing Benton County
- Lauren Steffl; Sleepy Eye; daughter of Leah Sandbo and Tim Steffl; representing Brown County
- Malorie Thorson; Waverly; daughter of Colette and Andrew Thorson; representing Wright County
- Haylie Wielenberg; Long Prairie; daughter of Sarah Malana and Mike Wielenberg; representing Todd County
These ten young women will have their likenesses carved in butter during the 2025 Minnesota State Fair.
Midwest Dairy sponsors the Princess Kay of the Milky Way program, which is funded by dairy farmers through their promotion checkoff.
Midwest Dairy® represents 3,600 dairy farm families and works on their behalf to build dairy demand by inspiring consumer confidence in our products and production practices. We are committed to Bringing Dairy to Life! by giving Consumers an Excellent Dairy Experience and are funded by farmers across a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit MidwestDairy.com, and follow us on Facebook and YouTube.