The final 4-H fair for any 10-year member is always memorable, but for Arcadia’s Sarah Huber, it was “shocking.” Huber was crowned the 2012 Hamilton County 4-H Fair Queen, beating out 22 other contestants.
“When they first called my name I was really surprised and incredibly excited,” she said. “It’s such an incredible moment – it’s overwhelming.”
Huber, the daughter of Doug and Bernie Huber, said the fact she was the newest county queen didn’t hit her until the following day when she thought about the gallery of Hamilton County 4-H queen photos hanging inside the fair office.
“What an honor it is to be queen and have your picture up there,” she said. “It’s the crowning moment of my 4-H career.”
Looking back at her 10 years as a member of the Huskey 4-H’ers 4-H Club, Huber said she’s really grown and knows how hard volunteers have helped her and other 4-H’ers.
“I appreciate how much 4-H has taught me,” she said.
Since this was her final fair as a participant, Huber said she was looking forward to handing out ribbons as queen and experiencing that “really exciting moment” when students get recognition for their hard work.
“I get to go to shows I haven’t been to at the fair,” she said. “I’ll learn more about what it’s like to show animals and the process.”
This year was Huber’s first time as a queen contestant.
“I wanted to do it for several years but was so busy with volleyball,” she said. “My 4-H leader and mom encouraged me to participate.”
The 4-H Fair Queen Court included Makaila Osborne of Sheridan, first runner-up; Christy Kettler of Westfield, second runner-up; Kelly Moorhous of Arcadia, third runner-up; and Kyleigh Kimbrell of Fishers, fourth runner-up and Miss Congeniality.
“It’s even more fun to be with the girls on the court,” Huber said.
Prior to the dog obedience show, Huber and her court went to Steak & Shake for dinner wearing their sashes and crown. The waitress talked about her 4-H experiences, and before leaving, the girls received a couple of phone numbers from male waiters and their meals for free from the manager.
“I think people just really respect the queen and her court,” said Huber. “It’s so fun to be in that position – a role model and ambassador for the 4-H program.”
Huber graduated in the Top 10 percent of her class at Hamilton Heights High School. She will attend Purdue University in the fall where she plans to dual major in dietician and nutrition fitness health.
