Queen Kendall the Congenial reigns supreme

Kendall Manges crowned Queen, wins Miss Congeniality again

By RICHIE HALL
sports@readthereporter.com

NOBLESVILLE – Kendall Manges is now 2-for-2 when it comes to winning Miss Congeniality at the Hamilton County 4-H Queen Pageant.

This year, Manges is also the Queen. Just minutes after receiving the Miss Congeniality sash again, Manges was crowned the 2026 Hamilton County 4-H Queen. An emotional Manges received her crown from Sophia Hulen, last year’s Queen, at the conclusion of the Pageant, which took place Friday, July 10 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to not only have the characteristics that Miss Congeniality does, serving alongside these amazing girls with the opportunity to serve as Miss Hamilton County over this next year,” said Manges. “I am looking forward to representing this county with so much grace and confidence and just showing people what 4-H is all about.”

Manges, 17, finished as Second Runner-Up in last year’s pageant. Manges said that during the ensuing year, she’s had “so many leadership opportunities in 4-H that have helped me grow as an individual, specifically helping kickstart Unified 4-H, and just by being on that committee, I have been able to meet so many people and grow in so many skills that are going to help me in my future.”

“And I believe that gave me the confidence to stand on this stage and do what I did,” said Manges.

Manges is the daughter of Chris and Chandra Manges. She is an incoming senior at Fishers High School and a member of the Fishers Showstoppers. Kendall Magnes has completed 60 4-H projects and plans to attend Purdue University to obtain a nursing degree and become a labor and delivery nurse.

Winning Miss Congeniality for the second year was meaningful to Manges, as the award is voted on by her fellow contestants.

“The other 16 ladies are so fabulous, and I’ve loved getting to know each and every one of them,” said Manges. “Being chosen for this award is such an honor because they are all deserving. And just the fact that they voted for me and circled my name means the world.”

Manges is currently a nine-year 4-H member, so she will reach the 10-year milestone in 2027. This year’s 10-year members were recognized at the Pageant while the judges were deciding who would be queen.

“I’m going to enjoy the fair so much,” said Manges. “For the past nine years, I’ve been enjoying the fair, but this is just going to make it extra special for the opportunity to represent my county with a smile on my face.”

In addition to Manges, four other contestants were selected to the 4-H Court. They are First Runner-Up Avery Hills (Sheridan Ag), Second Runner-Up Rachel Deeter (Giddy-Up Gang), Third Runner-Up Charlotte Wiggins (Llama Trekkers) and Fourth Runner-Up Giselle Effing (Harey Hoppers).

A ROYAL SYMPOSIUM: Hamilton County 4-H Queen Kendall Manges meets with 4-H Queens and Court members from other counties. Representatives from Hancock, Rush, Shelby, and Tipton counties were on hand for the Pageant. (Reporter photo by Richie Hall)