2024 Princess Kay of the Milky Way Finalists

Natalie Clemenson, the daughter of Brian and Tiffany Clemenson, represents Goodhue County. Natalie will be a junior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she is studying Dairy Science. Natalie is involved in many organizations, including the UWRF Dairy Club and the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association. When she’s not at school, Natalie enjoys photography, calf chores with her brothers, and showing cattle from her own small herd of Brown Swiss. Natalie loves helping people understand where their food comes from. In the future, she hopes to go into dairy nutrition and remain involved on the farm.

Monica Evers, the daughter of Jerry and Tammy Evers, proudly represents Wabasha County. Monica recently graduated from Winona State University with degrees in Mathematics and Secondary Math Education. As a long-term substitute teacher in a rural area, Monica’s dairy background allows her to connect with students, answer questions about dairy and farming, and talk about dairy in the classroom. Monica enjoys gardening, photography, volleyball, and adding to her many collections. In the future, Monica plans to be a math teacher in southeast Minnesota or attend graduate school for dairy nutrition or genetics. Monica’s favorite dairy product is strawberry milk!

Paige Frenchick, daughter of Melissa Tessmer and Josh Frenchick, lives on her family’s dairy farm in Meeker County. As a Biology major at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Paige hopes to continue dairy farming and go into dairy reproductive services upon graduation. On campus, Paige is part of the Beta of Clovia Sorority, Gopher Dairy Club, the Agricultural Business Club, and the Agricultural Education, Communication, and Marketing Club. Outside of school, Paige enjoys cooking, running, hiking, and listening to music. Milking cows is her favorite job on the farm. Paige loves incorporating dairy products into recipes!

Nicole Hauschildt, daughter of Stephanie and Chad Domke, represents Wabasha County. Despite not growing up on a farm, Nicole found her love of dairy through showing cattle and working on a dairy farm, where she feeds calves and milks cows daily. Nicole will be a senior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she is majoring in Bio-Medical, with a Dairy Science minor. She is in the Block and Bridle Club, Pre-Vet Club, Dairy Club, and the Trap Shooting Team. She works for the on-campus dairy bar. Post-graduation, she hopes to work in genetics and breeding in the cattle industry. Nicole’s favorite way to enjoy dairy is with chocolate milk!

Alexis Hoefs, the daughter of James and Lisa Hoefs, lives on her family’s dairy farm in Le Sueur County. She is currently attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where she is studying Animal Science with hopes of working as a consultant for a livestock genetics company in the future. Outside of school, Alexis is active in many clubs, including the Gopher Dairy Club, Lambda Delta Phi Sorority, and the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association. She enjoys showing cattle, spending time outdoors, and watching sports. As a dairy princess, she loves to listen to people’s stories and learn about the dairy industry from them, and to share the story of dairy with consumers.

April Klaphake, the daughter of Mark and Jennifer Klaphake proudly represents Stearns County. April studies Biology with a Pre-Med focus at the University of St. Thomas, where she is a member of the Pre-Med Club, Pickleball Club, and Tommie Catholics. When she’s not working on the farm, she can be found golfing, reading, going on walks, showing cattle, or powerlifting. After graduation and a gap year, April hopes to attend medical school to become a family doctor in a rural community. Yogurt is one of her favorite ways to enjoy dairy!

Heidi Montag is the daughter of Brian and Christa Montag and represents Benton County. Heidi is a Pre-Sonography major at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. She is a part of the FFA Alumni, serves on the Benton/Mille Lacs County Farm Bureau board, is a youth leader at her church, and is interested in politics. She enjoys talking to consumers about low-lactose dairy options, recommending cheese curds to customers at her food service job, and visiting classrooms as a dairy princess. On the farm, her favorite job is milking cows with her mom.

Lauren Steffl, the daughter of Tim Steffl and Leah Sandbo, proudly hails from Brown County. Lauren will be a senior at South Dakota State University, where she is majoring in Agricultural Business and hopes to work in communications for a dairy-related company after graduation. At school, Lauren competed in Dairy Challenge, dairy products judging, and dairy cattle judging, as well as served as a dairy ambassador in Brookings County. She enjoys photography, weightlifting, going to the gym, and swing dancing. Lauren enjoys whey protein or milk after a workout. This summer, Lauren is an intern at AMPI, where she has assisted in making butter used for the butter sculptures at the Minnesota State Fair.

Malorie Thorson, the daughter of Andrew and Colette Thorson, hails from Wright County. A student at South Dakota State University studying Dairy Production, Malorie enjoys being a part of the SDSU Dairy Club, the Swing Dancing Club, and serving as a mentor for first year students in dairy and food sciences. Malorie loves trying out new recipes and baking, reading, and spending quality time with her family during early morning milking shifts. With a busy schedule, Malorie loves the convenience and nutrition found in dairy products that help her fuel her day. After graduation, Malorie plans to return to the family farm as the sixth generation.

Haylie Wielenberg is the daughter of Mike Wielenberg and Sarah Maland, and she proudly represents Todd County. Haylie attends the University of Minnesota-Crookston, majoring in Animal Science with a Pre-Veterinary focus. She is involved in many campus organizations, including the UMC Dairy Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and Ag Arama Club. When she’s not at school, Haylie can be found watching Grey’s Anatomy, spending time with her little sisters, reading, or drawing. Haylie plans to attend vet school after earning her bachelor’s degree, in hopes of becoming a large animal veterinarian.