By Sadie Hunter

After 23 contestants made résumés, gathered letters of recommendation, held interviews with judges and competed in the evening gown competition on July 10, Madison McFadden, of Noblesville, was crowned as this year’s Hamilton County 4-H Queen.

During the evening gown competition at the main exhibit hall at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville, each contestant was asked one question. McFadden’s question was ”What is your favorite subject in school and why?”

She answered, “Over the years, graduating from elementary school, middle school, high school and continuing on to college, my favorite subject in school has pretty much stayed the same, and I would have to say that would be science. It’s also related to my major … animal science. I’m happy that I’m pursuing a career in something that I enjoy very much.”

McFadden, 19, is a 2014 graduate of Noblesville High School and is currently attending Purdue University where she plans to graduate in the spring of 2018 with degrees in animal science, agribusiness and agricultural communications. She is the daughter of Scott and Lisa McFadden.

The rest of the court includes: Hannah Bimmerle of Noblesville, first runner-up; Joanna Mayes of Fishers, second runner-up; Katie Goodyear of Fishers, third runner-up; Dianna Rulon of Arcadia, fourth runner-up; and Brittany Mayfield of Noblesville, Miss Congeniality.