GOSHEN —
Emily Mishler, 19, Goshen, was crowned queen of the 2011 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Friday night, the first day of the nine-day event.
After receiving her crown and gifts from the fair and the community, Emily said she "was absolutely floored" to learn she was the winner.
She said her next goal is to get to know the people at the fair whom she will represent in the coming year.
"It is so great to be a representative of this community," said the Purdue University sophomore, who is studying mass communications and apparel design.
In her third year in the fair pageant, Emily said she has made many friends through the experience. She was one of 45 contestants in this year’s contest.
The group is the top ladies of Elkhart County, she said. "These are the leading ladies of Elkhart County. I admire every one of them," she said of the court.
She has worked this summer at Mattern’s Deli and Butcher Shop in Goshen and at Ashley Rene’s prom shop in Elkhart.
"Everyone is so supportive," she said. She said the Elkhart business helped her with her formal wear and the Mattern’s have been family friends "since before I was born."
Preliminary judging started Wednesday and concluded Friday evening at the grandstand. In the question portion, Emily answered a question about what quality she possesses that she likes best.
She said she has "been through a lot. I love that I can adapt to different situations and people." She said she is the middle child of three in her family.
The 2011 queen’s court includes first runner-up, Devyn Simpson; second runner-up, Brooke Boyts; third runner-up, Darcy VanDiepenbos; and fourth runner-up, Elizabeth Kern.
The others who were chosen in the top 10 Friday included Cassie VanDiepenbos, Alayna Frauhiger, Alexis Beck, Allison Schrock and Emily Myers.
The candidates chose Devon Aragona, Middlebury, as Miss Congeniality.
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