All six of Miss Deer Park 2005 contestants, Hailey Billesbach, Ashlyn Rudnick, Grace Wortman, Joeli Thomas, Elizabeth Hamilton, and Abby Castle, before the announcement of scholarship winners.

The Miss Deer Park Scholarship Association chose their 71st representatives. The program was rich with poise and promise as six talented young ladies took to the stage. From fitness to composure, they held nothing back while competing to be the face of Deer Park. An image gallery awaits because what’s a royal moment without a little paparazzi?

The title of Miss Deer Park has evolved quite a bit since its 1954 inception. Initiated by the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce, Lorriane Bishop was chosen to ride the newly constructed Deer Park float and serve as a representative of our city and hostess to the community. Though much has changed, these two responsibilities are still a huge part of the Miss Deer Park title.  

When you think of The Miss Deer Park program, you might picture a showcase of elegant glamor charged with artistic expression, which is certainly part of it.  However, this competition encompasses much more. This year again highlighted the program’s depth and the young ladies who participate.

Yes, there are pretty dresses, beautiful hairstyles, coordinated dances, and delicate parade waves. However, there are also several requirements that challenge these ladies on a much deeper level. They are judged by their grades and college preparation, clarity of expression, sense of values and concern for others, as well as overall fitness, composure, and self-expression. 

All of this will prove useful to the chosen ladies over the next 12 months as Deer Park’s representatives, not to mention going forward into college, trade schools, and careers. And oh the places they’ll go! 

The six participants in this competition were Hailey Billesbach, Ashlyn Rudnick, Grace Wortman, Joeli Thomas, Elizabeth Hamilton, and Abby Castle. All of these young ladies shone in the spotlight. 

The Winners

In addition to the title of Miss Deer Park and her two princesses, nine other scholarships were awarded, worth $500 each.

The scholarships and winners are as follows:

• Bill & Bette Cox Community Service Scholarship sponsored by Yoke’s Fresh Market 
  • Abby Castle
• Spirit of Deer Park Scholarship sponsored by Deer Park Veterinary Clinic
  • Abby Castle
• Be The Light (In Memory of Mary Holweger) sponsored by Little Blessings Christian School & Childcare
  • Abby Castle
• Physical Fitness sponsored by Schulley’s Automotive Repair Inc.
  • Ashlyn Rudnick
• Self-Expression sponsored by Edward Jones
  • Grace Wortman
• Creative & Performing Arts sponsored by Grr’s ‘N’ Purrs Grooming
  • Joeli Thomas
• Presence and Composure sponsored by Pickett Fence
  • Abby Castle
• Judges’ Interview sponsored by Little Blessing Christian School & Childcare
  • Hailey Bilesbach
• Scholastics sponsored by Bates DDS
  • Abby Castle

The 2025 Deer Park Royalty is as follows:

Deer Park Princesses are Hailey Billesbach and Elizabeth Hamilton

Miss Deer Park is Abby Castle

Congratulations ladies!  I know we look forward to following your adventures as the year unfolds. Huge compliments to all the participants in this year’s competition. You are a tremendous group of young ladies, and I know you will all do great things.