Elena Rousey of Germantown was crowned Miss Ohio Mini Supreme in April. She is using her sash and crown to support Germantown’s veterans through the Wreaths Across America program.

Rousey, a 2025 Valley View graduate, was named Miss Ohio Mini Supreme in Columbus after serving as the 2024 Germantown Pretzel Festival Queen. She earned her title at a pageant, part of the Amerifest Circuit, which includes interviews, a runway competition and developing a community service platform.

Rousey initially volunteered to lay wreaths on veteran graves at Germantown Union Cemetery as part of her service as Pretzel Festival Queen.

“I went to put a wreath on a grave, and this particular grave already had a flag, but I didn't think anything of it. So I put a wreath down, and a gentleman came up to me and told me to take the wreath off of this veteran's grave because we did not have enough wreaths for every single veteran, and I just thought that was the most awful thing in the whole entire world, and it really upset me,” Rousey said in an interview.

Rousey says her goal is to ensure every veteran grave has a wreath this year. She has developed the White Poppy Project to raise funds for the wreaths.

“I do strongly believe that this is the right thing to do because these veterans have literally risked their lives, and after risking their lives, came back to a life that just wasn't normal from the things that they've experienced. And I believe that they should be honored in the utmost highest way, even when they're gone,” she said.

There are 1,062 veterans at Germantown Union Cemetery, according to Rousey. Each wreath is $17. The Wreaths Across America website says Germantown Union Cemetery will hold a ceremony and wreath laying on Dec. 19 at noon.

Supporters can volunteer to lay wreaths or donate a wreath to veterans at Germantown Union Cemetery.

Rousey, who works at Obscura Photography, says she is going to continue to look for ways to serve the community.

“I definitely will still be competing in pageants,” she said of her future. “But even if I don't continue my pageant journey, I'm still going to be advocating and working for our veterans and my community.”

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