Whitney Thomas

I am a 28 year-old native just southeast of Indianpolis. Residing still on our family farm, I am the proud parent of a two year-old little girl, Claire and blessed wife of a true southern gentleman from Kentucky. Hoosier life is all I have ever known, and I am passionate about my heritage, remembering my family's and my own acomplishments. In 2010, I graduated from Indiana University of Columbus, Indiana with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I enjoyed my learning experiences as well as the effort I put forth in my work during college. From experience, working and completing a Bachelor's Degree can be a struggle, but it was well worth the opportunities that followed. As a community-oriented citizen, I take pride in the opprtunities that can benefit others. In 2004, I was honored to be the Miss Shelby County Fair Queen. "I will even help set up chairs and tables at six in the morning for this opportunity," was part of my explanation as to why I would be the best fit for the Fair Queen title. Eleven years later, I am still an active volunteer. By being honored as Fair Queen, I have a great understanding as to whom I represent; my state, my county, my schools, my family, and myself. From an adolescent to a young adult, I still feel the desire to represent myself in a positive manner in all that I do. In addition to being honored as the Shelby County Fair Queen in 2004, I also competed in the Miss Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant 2005 and the Miss Indiana USA pageant 2006. From proper interview attire to public-speaking and positive representation, these influences have allowed success in my career opportunities and community awards such as my scholarships. In 2006, I was awarded several scholarships, but I am most proud of the Abstine scholarship because I was chosen from several other ca the county, and it was a teaching-based scholarship. Typing out every scholarship may or may not have had an influence on this accomplishment; however, I can appreciate the hard work and motivation I put forth. Speaking of hard work, growing up on a farm has been a positive influence that I am forever grateful for. First hand, I understand the true concept of "you reap what you sow." Those that work hard will accomplish their goals. If you do not put out effort into your crop, what will be there to benefit from come harvest? Passionate, creative, and driven is what I would call my work-ethic. I am proud to call myself a hard-working Hoosier!