In Cierra Essock’s Hustisford Junior and Senior High agriculture classroom, a student knew that her teacher had what it takes to be Alice in Dairyland. Essock was one of the six ladies named as a finalist for this year’s Alice in Dairyland Finals, which will occur in Sturgeon Bay May 2nd-4th. The UW-River Falls alum is no stranger to Wisconsin agriculture's spotlight after serving as a Wisconsin Holstein Princess Attendant in 2015. Before Friday’s announcement, Essock said no one in her classroom knew that she was in the running to become the next Alice in Dairyland. However, she admitted that one student believed she would be the perfect spokesperson for the state’s agriculture industry.

Essock will compete against Denmark’s Katrina Hoesly, Oconomowoc’s Halei Heinzel, Kewaunee’s Kiley Pagel, Kiel’s Lauren Siemers, and Big Bend’s Michaela King for the title of Alice in Dairyland this May. Tickets went on sale on Monday for the Alice in Dairyland Finals’ two main events: the Wisconsin Products Showcase on May 3rd at Door County Boardwalk’s Gala location and the finale at Stone Harbor Resort on May 4th. You can meet the current Alice in Dairyland Ashley Hagenow and support the program at a fundraising meat raffle at Apple Valley Lanes in Sturgeon Bay on March 9 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.