Meet our 2026 Judging Panel

The Miss Lehi's 2026 Competition will take place on Saturday, June 6th. We are excited to introduce the panel of judges who will be tasked with selecting our next Miss Lehi's Teen. Get to know more about each of them here!

JALENA WARNER

Jalena Warner resides in Nephi, Utah, where she and her husband, Patrick, raised their 5 children. She is a graduate of Utah State University and holds a degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in History and Sociology. Jalena has spent the past 17 years working in the Juab School District and is currently a teacher at Juab Junior High School. She has been a volunteer in the Miss America Organization for 15 years and is the Director of the Miss Nebo Scholarship Organization.

NATHAN FETZER

Nathan Fetzer holds a Bachelor of Science in Operations and Supply Chain Management from Utah Valley University and currently works as a Millwork Estimator and Assistant Project Manager at Fetzer Architectural Woodwork. He served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lima, Peru, where he became proficient in Spanish and was elected captain of the UVU hockey team, leading his teammates for two seasons on the ice. Most recently, Nathan married the love of his life, Charlee Fetzer, and the two are excited to begin the next chapter of their life together.

MELINDA MATHES

Melinda Mathes is a communication expert who helps professionals connect authentically with online and in-person audiences. For over 30 years, she has coached leaders across healthcare, wellness, tourism, education, and event-based industries. With a background in theatre and public speaking, she understands how presence, voice, and connection shape audience impact. Her work includes guiding clients in interviews, podcasts, live presentations, and personal brand alignment. Outside of work, Melinda loves traveling, yoga, and spending time outdoors with her family.

JACKI NEERINGS

Jacki Neerings is 28 years old and has been married to her husband, Logan, for 8 years. They have two children, Lexi, who is 5, and Luke, who is 2. She is a 2nd-grade teacher at Farmington Elementary and has been teaching for 7 years. She grew up in Lehi and served as Miss Lehi’s Outstanding Teen 2013 and Miss Lehi 2016.

JOELI CARROLL

Joeli Carroll studied classical voice with Rebecca Dimick and contemporary music with Beth Lawrence and Randy Boothe. Joeli has a love for musical theatre and has performed the roles of Ado Annie in “Oklahoma” and Dorcus in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”. She performed nationally as the lead singer of the Christian band, “Where I Stand“.