by

Richie Hall

Hamilton County Reporter

Megan Wiley’s journey to becoming the Hamilton County 4-H Fair Queen could be called “third time lucky,” but luck had nothing to do with it.

Learning, working, and above all confidence led Wiley to being crowned as the Queen at Friday night’s 4-H Fair Queen Pageant, which took place at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds. Wiley was one of 12 queen contestants at the pageant, beginning her reign in front of over 200 spectators.

“It feels amazing,” said Wiley. “I don’t think it’s real. I’m very blessed, though. Very blessed.”

This was the third year in a row that Wiley, a member of the Giddy Up Gang, had competed in the Queen Pageant. In 2016, she was the First Runner-up, but missed the court last year.

“Two years ago I was on court and last year I wasn’t, and it taught me a lot,” said Wiley. “Nothing is ever handed to you and confidence is really key, no matter what you do.”

Queen contestants do a five-minute interview with the judges prior to the Friday night pageant, then during the event compete in professional wear modeling, and in an evening gown competition where they were each asked a question by Master of Ceremonies Adam Good.

Wiley’s question was “What life skills have you learned from 4-H that you think will benefit you the most in the future?” Wiley responded that she learned about “time management, always being confident and never be afraid to fail.”

Wiley, 19, is the daughter of Douglas and Kristi Wiley. She will be a sophomore at Purdue University this coming school year, and is majoring in Agricultural Communications, with a double minor in Crop Science and Farm Management. After graduation, she plans to serve in the Peace Corps. She has completed 10 4-H projects.

“I’ve learned so many life lessons and so many friends have influenced me in my future plans, and it’s all been very beneficial,” said Wiley.

And now she gets to enjoy the 4-H Fair, which starts next Thursday, as the Queen.

“There’s so much to do, there’s so many people to see and so many smiles to be made,” said Wiley.

Ashlyn Robertson of Progressive Farmers is the First Runner-up, while Hailey Rivers of Noblesville H&H is the Second Runner-up. Rivers was also named as Miss Congeniality, which is voted on by the Queen contestants themselves, and she greatly appreciated the honor, saying that it’s nice to know the other contestants look up to her.

“It means a lot, because everybody was just so wonderful this year and I just loved everybody,” said Rivers. This was her first year in the pageant, and it was a great experience for her.

“It was extremely positive. I got a lot of confidence from this and I met a lot of new friends and made wonderful memories.”

Breanna Stewart of Jolly Rogers is the Third Runner-up, while Madeline Teal of Walnut Lassies and Laddies is the Fourth Runner-up.