Ten-year member Alyson Van Winkle is ending her 4-H career in style as queen of the Franklin County fair.

Before the announcement June 28 at the Franklin County High School auditorium, “my knees were shaking,” but when she heard her name, the 2009 FCHS graduate was “very excited. It’s a great honor.”

In her stage introduction, the contestant talked about cell phones and GPS systems, noting, “The world has developed a false view of what is important in life.” To this teen, “love, friendship, education, quality family time and a relationship with God” are what matter.

While memorizing the five-minute speech was difficult, the daughter of Roy and Melinda Van Winkle appeared poised and mature, familiar with being on stage. “I’ve been in plays my whole life!”

The three judges “made a very good choice,” believes Becky Schwab, Brookville, one of the pageant coordinators. “Aly has a brilliant personality that will shine regardless of the situation.”

Van Winkle desired the crown, explaining, “I definitely want to set a good example.” After entering consumer clothing, goat, rabbit, chicken and public speaking projects in the fair, the Brookville Road Baptist Church member, who loves to read everything from the “Twilight” series to John Grisham thrillers, will prepare to major in secondary education at Indiana University East.

First runner-up Beth Study described herself to the crowd as “fun, outgoing and talkative.” Years ago, her dad got the FCHS senior interested in 4-H while talking about his club experiences during father-daughter bonding time while milking cows.

The daughter of Tony and Valerie Study was asked to choose one thing she would like to change about herself during the question-and-answer portion of the pageant. “When I get embarrassed, I tend to get a little nervous, shy and underconfident,” the cheerleader admitted.

Second runner-up Abbey Kaiser recalled that with three sisters and a brother and all of their activities, “We never had time for summer vacation. The Franklin County 4-H Fair has become my vacation.” The FCHS senior said the weeklong event also offers community service time. The Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Church member has helped put up its food tent, iced down soft drinks and taken meal orders.

When did she first feel like an adult? “When my parents (Dave and Cindy Kaiser) put me in the show arena and said, ‘Do what you have to do to get your animal to do what it’s supposed to do.’”

Miss Congeniality Theresa Weidner always has loved animals, preferring to play with stuffed lambs instead of dolls as a child. After moving to a Brookville farm, she fulfilled her dream, getting two sheep (Lamb and Chop after a TV show puppet) to raise and show from her mailman.

The homeschooled student’s question: What is the greatest challenge facing teens in Franklin County today? “They drink way too much” and earlier than they should, the daughter of Ray and Lyn Weidner responded.

The queen and her court will spend each evening at the county fair July 11-18, giving short welcomes to the grandstand audience and presenting ribbons.

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.