Last year’s first runner-up is this year’s winner
By RICHIE HALL
sports@readthereporter.com
NOBLESVILLE – It’s a nice feeling to be crowned queen by one of your life-long friends.
Sophia Hulen got to experience that feeling last Friday at the Hamilton County 4-H Queen Pageant, which took place at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville. Hulen, a member of the Llama Trekkers, won the 2025 pageant after finishing as first runner-up in 2024.
2024 4-H Queen Cheyenne Boggs crowns this year’s 4-H Queen, a very happy Sophia Hulen. (Reporter photo by Richie Hall)
Immediately after Hulen was announced as this year’s queen, last year’s queen, Cheyenne Boggs, leaped onto the stage to give her friend a hug.
“It was a little bit of a surprise,” said Hulen. “Cheyenne and I have such a close bond. I’ve been in the program for a few years. It was just really awesome to finally win.”
Moments later, Boggs placed the crown on Hulen’s head.
“Chey and I have been friends our whole lives,” said Hulen. “We went to school together since preschool. It was really special that she was the one who got to crown me.”
Hulen, 18, is the daughter of Chris and Lisa Hulen and a 10-year member of 4-H. She recently graduated from Hamilton Heights and will soon be a freshman at DePauw University in Greencastle. Hulen was one of 21 contestants at the annual 4-H Queen Pageant.
The 2024 4-H Queen, Cheyenne Boggs, speaks before the crowning of the 2025 4-H Queen. (Reporter photo by Richie Hall)
Contestants are judged in three different categories. The first category is a five-minute interview with the three judges, where they are scored on poise, personality and the ability to converse.
The second category is professional wear competition, with the contestants judged on poise, posture and suitable attire. Finally, the third category is the evening gown competition, in which the judges look for stage presence and overall impression.
During the evening gown portion, each contestant was asked a question by Master of Ceremonies David Collier. He asked Hulen, “What is the best advice you have ever been given?”
Hulen answered, “The best advice I’ve ever been given is, just say yes to every opportunity you get, because it truly could be a blessing you never thought of.”
“I am truly an extrovert, so it’s really a great opportunity for me to practice different life skills,” said Hulen. “And it’s just truly been amazing. All the people and the friends along the way have just made it really special for me.”
This year’s Hamilton County 4-H Queen’s Court (back, from left): Maddie Shively (Fourth Runner-Up), Mac Smith (Third Runner-Up), Charlotte Wiggins (First Runner-Up), and Kendall Manges (Second Runner-Up and Miss Congeniality). (Reporter photo by Richie Hall)
Queen’s Court
The Queen’s Court was announced just before Hulen was crowned. The members are: Charlotte Wiggins of Llama Trekkers as First Runner-Up, Kendall Manges of Fishers Showstoppers as Second Runner-Up, Mac Smith of Sheridan Ag as Third Runner-Up and Maddie Shively of Heartland 4-H as Fourth Runner-Up.
Manges was also named Miss Congeniality, prior to the naming of the Queen’s Court. She is the daughter of Chris and Chandra Manges.
“I’m very grateful to be named Miss Congeniality,” said Kendall Manges. “These girls mean a lot to me, and it has been such a joy getting to know them and their stories over these past weeks, even if I didn’t know them beforehand.”
Reporter photos by Richie Hall
Picture perfect – the queen and her court. All of these 4-H lovelies showcased their poise and beautiful gowns. Thank you HC Reporter for sharing this exceptional evening of the girls who represent 4-H in Hamilton County.