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Iola Winter Carnival court

Abby Wiersma, Natalie Oligney, Amanda Aanstad and Paige Berg are the 2012 Winter Carnival Princesses.

One of them will be chosen as Queen of the Snows to reign over the Feb. 4-5 Iola Winter Carnival.

All four are seniors at Iola-Scandinavia High School.

Abby Wiersma

“The winter carnival is a great community tradition because it brings the community together to create unity and celebrate Norwegian heritage,” Wiersma said. “It is a wonderful way for everyone to get involved and have fun together. It includes many events so everyone can find something that appeals to them.”

“My greatest asset as Queen of the Snows would be that I am friendly and can make everyone feel involved,” she said. “I will be willing to help out wherever I am needed and have fun doing it.”

Wiersma’s extracurricular activities include Student Council, Polka Band, Pep Band, Book Club, Math League, Forensics, Art Crew, Prom Planning Committee, Cross Country and as a volunteer for Meals On Wheels. She is a High Honor student, was captain of the Color Guard, vice president of the National Honor Society and served as class treasurer.

She is the daughter of Brent and Amy Wiersma of Scandinavia.

Paige Berg

“When I was a freshman, I carved my first ice sculpture, smelled my first whiff of the “fishy-jello” lutefisk and came to realize that this is why I love small towns,” Berg said. “Iola hosts many different festivities and Winter Carnival has always been my favorite. Winter Carnival celebrates the importance of the arts, tradition, heritage, competition and community.”

“Bringing happiness into others’ lives is, in all honesty, is what I love most,” Berg said. “It would be a true honor to be Queen of the Snows and being able to represent our community.”

Berg’s extracurricular activities include volleyball, choir, Student Council, cross country, band, art crew, basketball, musicals, softball, track and field, and four local jobs.

Other honors and achievements include summer basketball captain, high school choir president, most improved female runner on the cross country team, winning Friend of the Library ribbon on a self portrait at the Waupaca Arts Festival, and being selected to compete in Math League.

Throughout high school, she has maintained a grade point average of 3.81 or higher, even with a full class schedule.

She is the daughter of Tammie Jo and Bill Berg of Iola.

Amanda Aanstad

“The Winter Carnival is a great tradition because it is a way that our community can come together and learn and understand the Norwegian heritage,” Aanstad stated.

“My greatest assets as Queen of the Snows would be that I’m a leader in multiple ways,” she said. “For the cross country team, I was the team captain of the girls, and I am also the Leo’s president. I am a responsible and respectful person to my friends, family and community.”

Aanstad’s extracurricular activities include Leo’s, Meals on Wheels, National Honor Society, basketball, softball and cross country.

As a sophomore, she was named most improved player on the softball team. As a senior, she was named captain of the cross country team and is currently president of the Leo’s.

She is the daughter of Betty and Randy Aanstad of Iola.

Natalie Oligney

“Winter Carnival is a great reflection of Iola’s history,” Oligney stated. “It is a great way to bring the community together through ice sculpting, the lutefisk supper, craft show, ski jumping and cross country skiing.”

“Since I was four, I have been a part of the Iola Winter Sports Club,” she said. “Having been a participant in youth cross country skiing and ski jumping, this an opportunity to introduce my love for the Winter Carnival to members of the community and beyond.”

“Since I was a child, I have looked up to the Winter Carnival princesses and having the opportunity to become one would give me the chance to be the wonderful role model, as they were for me,” she added.

Oligney’s extracurricular activities include Student Council, band, Leo’s, Toys for Tots, Yearbook staff, Spanish Club and senior class president.

She has done volunteer work for Iola Winter Sports Club, Iola Old Car Show, Oshkosh EAA KidVenture, Meals on Wheels, Northland Lutheran Church lutefisk supper, and raised money for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Oligney is a High Honor Roll student and has worked as a Counseling Office aide.

She is the daughter of Darcy and Mary Oligney of Iola.

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