Laylie Denault will represent the Knights of Columbus in the 2026 Sweet Corn Festival Queen Pageant.
Denault was on the Mendota High School volleyball and basketball teams all four years, serving as team captain for both.
She was on the track team and soccer team for two years, as well.
Denault was selected as All-Area and All-Conference First Team for volleyball and received the All-Sectional Sportsmanship Award for soccer.
She was president of the National Honor Society, a member of the Spanish Honor Society, a high honor roll student for all eight semesters and an Illinois State Scholar.
Denault was class president, and a member of Interact Club, Spanish Club, Student Council, yearbook committee, Next Generation Leaders and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
She participated in the Illinois Valley Community College Academic Challenge, and received the Mike Kilmartin Award and the MHS Science Award.
Denault was also on the homecoming and prom court her senior year.
Her schedule included working in the principal’s office, volunteering for Christmas for Kids in Ottawa and serving on the roadside clean-up committee.
This summer, Denault is working at the Mendota YMCA and babysitting.
At the YMCA she loves helping kids with summer activities and camps, and loves creating activities to help children learn while babysitting.
Some of Denault’s hobbies include walking, sewing with her grandma, reading and hanging out with friends.
She enjoys traveling, fashion, shopping and going to school games and events.
This fall, Denault plans on attending the University of Iowa to major in Human Physiology.
Afterward, she plans to attend dental school to pursue a doctorate in dental medicine.
Denault hopes to eventually return to the area to get a job and start a family.