Wendy R. Gould
DANVILLE — Wednesday night family and friends of the Hendricks County 4-H Fair queen contestants packed the main building at the fairgrounds, eager to see who would be crowned out of the 35 participants.
When Jordan Pritchett's name was called, everyone - including her - screamed. It was clear that the crowd was supportive of the judges' decision as 2007 winner Brooke Pence crowned the new queen.
"I feel so overwhelmed," said Pritchett just moments after. "I kept joking that I would win but I didn't think it would actually happen!"
The 18-year-old from Danville is a freshman at Indiana State University and a 10-year member of 4-H. She is involved with the Happy Farmers 4-H Club and is also in the sewing, swine, beef, and sheep projects. In school she is involved with FFA, choir, and show choir.
"There were so many great girls," said Rebecca Pritchett, her mother. "I'm very proud of Jordan."
The first runner-up was Meagan Barrows. She is a senior at Danville Community High School and also a member of the Happy Farmers 4-H club where she is active in beef, dairy, and scrapbooking. Outside of 4-H she is involved in student council and Rotary Club.
Kati Detty of Danville was crowned as the second runner-up. She is a member of Gifted 4-Hers 4-H Club and shows swine. At Indiana University, where she is a freshman, she is on the Redstepper dance team.
Every year the contestants vote for one person who they think has been the most congenial throughout the competition. This year, the women voted for Megan Allen, 18, of Danville.
She is a freshman at Regency Beauty Academy and a member of the Country Clovers 4-H Club. She has been involved in swine, sheep, gift-wrapping, and cake decorating throughout her 4-H career. She is also a member of FFA and the Hendricks County Pork Producers.
wendy.gould@flyergroup.com