prom court candidates

Vote counts updated at least weekly until event week.
Voting online ends at noon August 9, 2025
Vote with cash, check, and credit/debit cards at the event.
($1 per vote)

Vachel Hudson

I was born in Columbus, Indiana, raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and spent time living in Minnesota before returning home to give back to the community that shaped me—and my late mother, Angelita Sanders. Now, as a Project Manager at Columbus Regional Health, I co-lead the Mental Health Matters Bartholomew County Initiative, working with leaders across healthcare, education, justice, and social services to strengthen our local mental health system, stand against stigma and improve wellbeing for all. I’m deeply committed to youth and civic engagement. I mentor through the Umoja program and the NAACP Bartholomew County Branch, where I also serve as 2nd Vice President and Housing Committee Chair. I proudly sit on the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Safe, Available & Affordable Housing and the advisory board for iEngage 2025, a civics camp for local youth, and serve on United Way’s Impact Committee and LEAD United team. I’m also the founder of R.I.C.H. (Reinvesting in Communities and Housing), a nonprofit focused on affordable housing and financial wellness for individuals and families from all walks of life. While I don’t have children of my own yet, I’m a proud uncle, cousin, and mentor—and I’m passionate about protecting and empowering the next generation. That’s why I’m honored to raise funds through the CAP Prom Sneaker Ball, to help run child abuse out of Bartholomew County—one step at a time

I'm Michelle Mulimba, owner of Stunna's Meal Prep, a meal preparation and catering company. I'm a wife and proud mother of two girls, Sinclair (8) and Ella (4). As an active community member, I currently serve with Paths to Success and Empower365. I'm also the project manager for Calvary Community Church's kitchen renovations, which will create a hot meal site for those in need. I helped establish the "Garden of Eden" community garden across from the church, where we offer free weekly vegetable giveaways during spring and summer. I'm looking forward to fundraising for Family Services to prevent child abuse and hope to meet many of you soon.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Michelle mulimba

Bre Russell

My name is Bre Russell. I grew up in Madison, IN…just a hop, skip and a jump away from Columbus. My husband and I moved to Columbus 9 years ago from Nashville, TN. I have two kiddos, a 7 year old girl and a 10 year old boy who keep me extremely busy! I am currently working as a real estate agent here in Columbus at F.C. Tucker. Before doing real estate I was a cardiac nurse turned stay at home mom. I am super passionate about volunteering and helping people. The last 2.5 year I was an executive committee member for our United Way women’s philanthropy group called Women United. This year my husband and I had the opportunity to co host the kids commons fundraiser Carnivale and we had so much fun raising money for such a special place in our community. My favorite volunteer spot in town is hands down the Love Chapel food pantry. If I’m not working or volunteering I am taking my kids to one of their many activities. I like to call myself a glorified chauffeur but that’s just the stage of life that I am in and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I am blessed to have a supportive husband, family and friends that make this life of mine more special than I could have ever imagined. I am excited to serve on the CAP Prom court this year and would really appreciate YOUR vote! 

Seth ragon

My name is Seth Ragon and I am a Realtor® with Your Home Team. I grew up in Seymour, IN where I went to Seymour High School. After High School I continued my education at University of Indianapolis, majoring in Business Administration and Management as well as being a student athlete on the Track and Field team. I have been a Realtor for the last 3 years. I love meeting new people and being able to help families find new homes! My wife Haley and I recently moved to Columbus from Indianapolis with our dog Murphy. We enjoy spending time with friends, being outside, and working on various projects around the house! I am honored to be a part of the CAP Prom Court this year as I've always felt Family Services are extremely important!

andy larson

I am a Columbus native, father of three incredible sons and the lucky husband to my wife, Megan. Before becoming a CENTURY 21 Scheetz Realtor, I was a high school science and language arts teacher in BCSC for 26 years, first at CNHS and then Columbus Signature Academy, where I was a founding faculty member. In 2023 I published a book documenting my classroom and life experiences. I love being outside with my dogs, paddle boarding on The Lagoons, riding my bike or running around town, working on house projects, reading, writing, or playing guitar with my band, The Greenback Dollars. If I'm not cheering for my kids on a sideline or zipping around town showing houses, I'm probably in South Haven, Michigan-- our happy place. I'm excited to be raising funds for The CAP Prom because I've been so moved and positively impacted by the vitality of the Columbus' youth. We live in a great community, among the best, and our kids deserve nothing less.

nate simmonds

Hello! My name is Nate Simmonds. I was born and raised right here in our wonderful city of Columbus. I am beyond honored to be nominated to help raise money for this great cause! I am the owner of Simmonds Custom Auto but a lot of people know me from my other job as the General Manager of Ziggies Bar and Grill. It’s such a blessing to have the network of people I have come to know through running local businesses in this community. It’s going to allow me to host some incredible events to help raise money for child abuse prevention and have a blast doing it! I am a single proud father of four children. I have three daughters and a son. I also have three grandchildren. There is no better joy in life than being a dad. That’s why child abuse prevention is so important to me. I know our community will once again come through with great support for this cause and I’m proud to be a part of it!

derek huffman

My name is Derek Huffman and I have been born and raised in Columbus,IN. I am the President / CEO of Pyramid Custom Packaging located in Columbus. In my free time, I enjoy working out, shanking golf balls with my friends and have been known to shoot a basketball here and there. The community in Columbus has given my family and I a lot of support over the years so anytime I can help give something back, I welcome the opportunity. Raina and her teams have done an amazing job over the years and although she had to do some arm twisting to get me to commit, I am very honored to have been asked and excited to have some fun raising money for an exceptional community project. 

Kat stays busy being a mom to a teen, the owner/instructor at Body Rock Dance, Health & Fitness Studio in Seymour, and serving on the board of her non-profit, Jackson County Pride Alliance. Though she doesn't reside in Columbus, she has many friends there, and works as the choreographer on the Fall Musical for Columbus East. She is also no stranger to raising money for Bartholomew County as she participated in Dancing with the Stars 2016- 2020. Kat is thrilled to be a part of the prom court because any time you can combine dancing and fundraising she considers that a win/win! 

katrina hardwick

melissa joslin

Hello, all! My name is Melissa Joslin. I have lived in Bartholomew County my whole life & couldn’t imagine myself living anywhere else. When I am not working, I’m juggling life as a wife, mom to two wild little boys (4 & 2), and animal enthusiast (my horses, dogs, and barn kitties hold special places in my heart). My perfect day includes coffee, a smooth morning (rare but magical), a productive workday, and a sunset ride on my horse, Marley. I’m all about balance—growing my businesses, enjoying my family, and making time for the things that bring joy. Family means so much to me that I actually work for my oldest brother, Brent, and with his middle daughter, Jodie! Brent has 15+ years in the insurance industry, so I have a great support system to lean on when I need it. Most business say “we’re like family” but in our office we really are! I grew up in the farming world, and that is where a true passion of mine still lies. Animals & children hold a special place in my heart, which is why I am so excited for the opportunity to help fundraise for CAP! I believe success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building relationships and helping others thrive.

kayley gatten

Kaley Gatten has been dazzling Claire’s customers with sparkle and style for 8 years—starting as a low-volume store manager and rising to reign over the high-volume Greenwood Park Mall location. She also moonlights as a board member for Mill Race Theatre Company in Columbus, championing member engagement with the same flair she brings to retail. When she's not managing a store, she's likely on stage —most recently as Sherrie in Rock of Ages. Kaley's passion for the arts runs deep, with a résumé that includes just about every job on and off the stage. Her hobbies include hiking, reading, and being utterly devoted to her Australian Shepherd, Lillie, who may or may not be the true queen of the household.