During her first year in 4-H, KyLeigh Kimbrell was working on her swine and scrapbooking project. Her sister told her, “You’re going to do the queen contest and win queen. You don’t have a choice.” Last year, Kimbrell competed in the 4-H Queen Pageant and won fourth runner-up. On July 12, the 10-year 4-H member fulfilled her sister’s prediction and was crowned the 2013 4-H Fair Queen.

“It makes me smile and not able to talk because I get so worked up,” she said. “I didn’t expect to get queen… I was crying the entire time. I plan to use my crown a lot. The crown is your megaphone I want to use it.”

Kimbrell, who lives in Noblesville, graduated from Hamilton Southeastern High School. She will be a freshman at Ball State University and plans to dual major in elementary education and American Sign Language.

In addition to being on court both years she competed, Kimbrell was selected by her peers as Miss Congeniality each time.

“Last year, I didn’t try for it and this year I didn’t try ever harder since I wanted someone else to get the honor,” she said.

During her one-on-one interview with the judges, Kimbrell was asked if she would rather win Miss Congeniality or Fair Queen.

“I truly thought about this one,” she said. “It’s a true honor to be Miss Congeniality because everyone thinks you are deserving of a sash. As 4-H Fair Queen there is a legacy of being a role model. You’re a truly genuine person no matter the situation. You can act on the spot and be professional.”

Kimbrell will be joined on the 4-H Queen Court by three other Noblesville residents: second runner-up Dorian Bush, third runner-up Madison McFadden and fourth runner-up Rachel Flanders.

“It was really surprising,” McFadden, a senior at Noblesville High School, said. “I was talked into doing it by a friend who ended up not participating.”

Westfield’s Christy Kettler earned first runner-up. Kettler was the second runner-up in last year’s pageant.

“I’m excited for another group of girls and an exciting week. Fair week is the best week of the year,” she said.

Kettler, also a 10-year member who will be a freshman at Purdue University in the fall, remembers her first year watching the pageant in third grade.

“It was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. I want to set an example for younger members,” she said.

Kettler said her favorite part about being on the court is going to see different projects she’s not involved in.

“You get to experience everything,” she said.