Faith Hittle named Hamilton County’s 2022 4-H Fair Queen
By CRAIG ADKINS
For The Reporter
On Friday evening, 21 contestants took to the stage at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville for the 62nd annual Queen Pageant in hopes of being crowned.
The final name announced would be the new Hamilton County 4-H Fair Queen, Faith Hittle.
“As soon as he said contestant number 15, my jaw dropped because I wasn’t expecting that,” said a humbled, newly named fair queen, Faith Hittle.
“Last year, I was in the pageant, but I wasn’t on court or anything,” continued Hittle, who was pleasantly surprised in winning the title of queen.
Outgoing Queen McKinley Underhill talks with a young 4-H fan. Come back in a few years, kiddo! Maybe you, too, can have a shot at the crown. (Reporter photo by Kent Graham)
This wasn’t Hittle’s first taste of being part of the Queen Pageant. This year, things took a turn in a great direction, and it will also pay dividends down the road.
“This year, I’ve grown a bunch and gained a lot of skills through interviews and other areas,” Hittle told The Reporter. “I would say I was so happy. I looked at my mom and she was jumping up and down, so it just made me happy.”
When asked how this experience with a group of 20 other girls who might not have known each other prior to entering into this contest, Hittle said she’s made new friends.
“A couple of friends that I didn’t even get on court, I’ve gained friendships,” Hittle told The Reporter. “I’m so excited to stay in touch with them over the years. Even Brooke [Miller] and Grace [Allee] – they are younger than me, but I have connections with them from school and past pageants.”
Being a part of the group of 21 privileged participants is something that these young women will take and use for the rest of their lives. This will prepare them for numerous situations.
“By numerous standards, I will gain the experience of talking with older people in my internship,” Hittle said, “because I’ve been able to talk to more people and gain experience of communication. I didn’t have that before.”
Hittle continued, “This is going to prepare me by responsibility, keeping up with my duties that I will have. I don’t like talking about myself too much. I’m not a pride person.”
Queen Faith’s Court
Prior to the announcement of the queen and her court, Miss Congeniality is awarded. This year, Miss Congeniality has been awarded to Laura Wertz.
Hamilton County’s 2022 4-H Queen Faith Hittle shown here with her court, which includes (standing, from left) Miss Congeniality Laura Wertz, 4th Runner-up Alexandra Matthews, 2nd Runner-up Grace Allee, 1st Runner-up Anna Clark, and 3rd Runner-up Brooke Miller. Congrats to all the contestants! (Reporter photo by Kent Graham)
Asking Wertz what the title of Miss Congeniality means to her, she beamed with absolute pride.
“To me, it’s a term of endearment from my peers,” Wertz said ecstatically. “Miss Congeniality means that you, as a person, represent kindness and compassion toward your friends and people that are around you.”
Wertz continued, “Throughout the fair, I hope to embody that and be able to meet a lot of new people and spread happiness and joy.”
One noticeable thing just before awards were announced was that all contestants joined hands in unity, showing they were there for each other no matter the outcome.
“I love all of the girls so much,” Wertz said. “They are all just really kind and funny. I have had such an amazing time getting to know each and every one of them. It’s just been a really cool experience and I encourage everyone that can, to participate in it.”
The contestants were judged in three areas. Earlier in the day, they were scored on their professional attire for their interview with the judges. Then, in front of a crowd of nearly 300, they were judged on their formal wear in evening gowns. This portion was based on their modeling, stage presence and poise they showed while being asked a question by pageant host Adam Good.
Also joining the 2022 Hamilton County 4-H Queen Court are 4th Runner-up Alexandra Matthews, 3rd Runner-up Brooke Miller, 2nd Runner-up Grace Allee and 1st Runner-up Anna Clark.
4-H Fair Queen Faith Hittle and her court will be on-hand throughout the fair when it opens on Thursday, July 14 and goes through Monday, July 18.
Keep up to date on all happenings with the Hamilton County 4-H Fair with The Reporter.
Reporter photos by Kent Graham