Abigail Schlueter was awarded the crown at the 2026 Harvest Festival Queen on Sept. 10 during the annual 41st Harvest Festival Queen Pageant, held at the Meramec Music Theatre. Schlueter was also voted Miss Congeniality by her pageant peers and won awards for the interview and talent portions of the night. Autumn Halbert was awarded first runner-up, and Raylee Kirkland won second runner-up.

Schlueter has a wide variety of hobbies and interests. She plays volleyball and softball and enjoys swimming. She is active in her church’s youth group, and enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her dog Oscar. While Schlueter is involved in a variety of after-school activities, her favorite is Future Business Leaders of America. For the past two years, Schlueter has received Positive Character Awards at Steelville High School. She was also selected to be part of the National Honor Society.

For the talent competition, Schlueter danced a rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” moonwalk and all. Schlueter’s escort for the night was Kaden Rulo, son of Paula and Kevin Rulo.

Along with the Queen title, Schlueter also received an awards package with gifts from local businesses. Schlueter received a $100 monetary gift from the Steelville Area Chamber of Commerce, in addition to gifts from Bass’ River Resort, Garrison’s River Resort, In and Out, Jennifer Parrott Photography, Muddy Boots Coffee, the Ozark Trailblazers, Reining Trails, Rich’s Famous Burgers, Rise Yoga and the Steelville Arts Council. For her Miss Congeniality win, Schlueter received a monetary gift from Wayde’s Equipment. For her talent contest win, she was given a monetary gift from Britton-Bennett Funeral Home, and for her win in the Best Interview category, Schlueter was given a gift certificate by Steelville Drug.

First runner-up Autumn Halbert, age 16, and daughter of Lucas and Amanda Halbert, was sponsored by Country Mart. For the formal attire portion of the night, Halbert was escorted by Jacoby Eaton, son of Kyle Eaton and Monica Ort. Halbert, who will graduate from Steelville High School next year, is a member of the Speech Team and Art Club. She enjoys making art, and works with charcoal and acrylic paints. Her other interests include baking, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors. Her future plans include becoming a police officer or serving in the military. Halbert is a member of the International Thespian Society and National Technical Honor Society. She has received awards for her poetry and oratory, a Cardinal Character Award and a FFA State Leadership award. As first runner-up, Halbert received a monetary gift from Shelter Insurance, along with gifts from Indian Springs Resort, Jennifer Parrott Photography, Mr. Tequila, Muddy Boots Coffee, and Ozark Trailblazers.

Second runner-up Raylee Kirkland, age 16, and daughter of Tome and Jessica Kirkland, was sponsored by Reining Trails. During the formal-dress competition Kirkland was escorted by Gunner Wilkinson, son of Tim and Katie Wilkinson. Kirkland is on the Steelville High School’s cheer squad, where she serves as a flyer. It is her third year on the team. Kirkland is also involved in FFA and is interested in film, fashion, and music. She enjoys public speaking, and was awarded first and third prizes in FFA Creed Speaking competitions. In the future, Kirkland would like to work in the filmmaking or music industries. As second runner-up, Kirkland received a monetary gift from Tara Hamilton of Hardecke Real Estate, along with gifts from Huzzah Valley, In and Out, Jennifer Parrott Photography, Muddy Boots Coffee, and Ozark Trailblazers.

Other contestants in the pageant were Rilee Lorraine, age 16, daughter of Mat and Lacey Lorraine, sponsored by Cobblestone Lodge and escorted by Lucas Garms, the son of Mike and Miranda Davis; Tiffany Raymo, age 16, daughter of Eve Burch and Travis Raymo, sponsored by Muddy Boots Coffee and escorted by Joe Brand, son of Kyle and Sherrie Brand; Kynnadee Worley, age 17, daughter of Travis and Tracy Worley, sponsored by Shelter Insurance, and escorted by Cole Adams, son of Nick and Becky Adams; Kailey Bennett, age 16, granddaughter of Brian and Rhonda Bennett, sponsored by Ransom Heating and Air Conditioning and escorted by Cooper Hickey, son of Todd and Teresa Hickey; Megan Troutt, age 16, daughter of Jonny and Tiffany Troutt, sponsored by Peoples Bank and escorted by Max Harmon, son of Mikie and Mahrysa Harmon.

While only three candidates received awards at the pageant, none left empty-handed. All candidates received gifts from local businesses including gift certificates from Art and Joe, Dairy Isle, Hutson Funeral Home, Reining Trails, Scentsy, STE Communications and Tara Hamilton of Hardecke Real Estate. All escorts also received gifts from Peoples Bank, Reining Trails and Tara Hamilton of Hardecke Real Estate.

Other participants included the 2025 Harvest Festival Queen Jazmyn Hurd, age 17, and daughter of Dale and Jennifer Hurd, who turned her crown over to Schlueter. Six-year-old Hallie Jo Kellerman, daughter of Jordan and Kelley Kellerman served as flower girl for the pageant. Garrett Griffith, also age six, son of Courtney and Cody Griffith, served as the crown bearer.

Pageant Committee members were Cheryl Wilkerson, who chairs the committee, Julie Settles, Tiffany Troutt and Tara Hamilton. Rev. Jerry Beers served as the master of ceremonies.

Schlueter is the daughter of Tom and Lisa Schlueter. She was sponsored by FCNB Bank.