The Stilwell High School junior was also named Miss Congeniality and Crowd Favorite Saturday night during the scholarship pageant at the Carson Auditorium.

A queen is most always surprised to hear her name announced as the winner.

“I had already won Crown Favorite and Miss Congeniality, so I was already pretty satisfied, but yes, I was overjoyed and honestly didn't know how to react. I would have jumped up and down if I wasn't in heels,” Karlee said.

Monday, she was considering her gratitude and how to have grace in her new title.

“Today, I feel very relaxed. I'm not having to worry about practicing my turns and steps, but it also feels like how it feels the day after your birthday: You don't feel any different but you also feel like a brand-new woman,” said Karlee. “My goals as queen would be to be as active in my community as I possibly can. I want to serve God by serving others, and

leave a lasting impression on everyone.”



A queen becomes part of activities such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt, and other Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis public events. She also visits schools, where she reads to students. She typically becomes a role model to others.

Karlee said she is excited about representing the city as Strawberry Queen.

“This year, I am most excited to deliver strawberries to the State Capitol,” said Karlee. “I’ve never been to or even seen the capitol, so I am definitely looking forward to that experience and meeting new people.”

Kiwanis volunteers have a tradition of taking flats of strawberries and giving them away at the State Capitol, and the queen and her court who attend usually meet the governor.

Kiwanis past President and Pageant Director Krista Bradley said she looks forward to this event every year.

“The pageant this year was a close one. The girls did an amazing job and I’m glad I was not a judge, because it was a tough competition. I’m thankful for our entire court and believe they will all shine in our community,” Bradley said.

Karlee will be a great queen, Bradley added.

“She has already began her queen duties. She’s an amazing young woman and excited to serve her community and represent Kiwanis,” Bradley said.

Karlee is the daughter of Becky and James Barnes, and Jeremy and Christina Ingram. Her grandparents are Donell and Gary Tibbit, and Shelly Ward, and Benny and Sandy Ingram Her siblings are Destiny Taylor, Houston Ingram, Bailey Ingram, Madison Ingram, Haliyah Roettgers, and Aubrey Barnes. 

“I am the first woman in my family to run for, and be crowned,

Strawberry Queen. My family absolutely loves the Strawberry Festival, so I just know my Papa and Aunt Debbie would’ve been so so proud, especially my Aunt Debbie. I can just imagine her hollering for me with her high-pitched screams,” Karlee said.She decided to run for queen because she heard so many great things about the process and how fun it is.

“I also wanted to get myself out there more and try new things. This isn’t the kind of environment I’m used to, so I wanted to give myself a challenge,” she said. 

One of the best aspects of the pageant practice is making new friends or getting better acquainted with students she knew a little. The practices and Kiwanis volunteers create a feeling of “we’re in this together,” even though only one will walk away wearing the crown. 

The girls become very supportive of one another. 

“My favorite part of being in the pageant was just getting so much closer with all the other contestants. I go to school with four of the five girls, so I was so blessed to have gotten closer with all five of them,” said Karlee. “They are amazing and the most supportive group of girls. I love them so much.” 

Practices for the pageant include walking with grace, standing and sitting with poise, interview skills, learning about the community and

state, and learning a group dance routine.

“I learned a lot during this whole process – to be poised, classy, and to just get myself out there. My maturity level and communication skills have definitely improved. I’ve grown so much not only as a person, but as a woman, just in these past two months,” she said.

Being Strawberry Queen has already changed Karlee’s life. 

“I am now and forever will be part of the most amazing legacy in Stilwell. I encourage other young ladies to join the pageant next year, because they will have the most unique experience. There are so many different opportunities--trying and learning new things, finding who you truly and genuinely are, and meeting the best people ever,” she said.

It's a thrill to be connected to her community in such a unique way, and Karlee said she is so very thankful.

“I am so so excited for what this year has in store for me, and I am extremely excited to serve others in my community,” Karlee said. “I would

just like for my community to know how grateful and honored I am to be your 2025 Strawberry Queen. Thank you to Kiwanis for working so hard to make this process as smooth, comfortable, and fun as possible and for the constants and me. Thank you to everyone who donated to the pageant and thank you to everyone who congratulated me.”