4-H Teen and Queen crowned

For more than 50 years, 4-H clubs in Hill County have been selecting a teen and queen to represent the best of the best for the clubs.

This year, Colter Bickford, 16, and Amanda Verploegen, 17, will fill those roles.

Both are longtime 4-H-ers who are involved in livestock competitions.

Verploegen, a member of the Sunshine 4-H Club who has been active for nine years, has a steer, pig and sheep in market animal competitions this year.

"I just love working with animals," she said.

Bickford has looked up to other teens through the years.  Bickford has done market beef and self-determined projects and has been involved in 4-H for eight years.

The Mountain View Club member said he hopes that the experience makes him a better role model and leader.

Now a teen himself, Bickford said young members should "just try to have fun and keep out of trouble."

Verploegen also is looking forward to being a role model.

"It's really cool because I've noticed, the older I've gotten, the little kids are always watching," she said.

People will be watching her and Bickford hand out ribbons during the various events during the Great Northern Fair.

"I've always thought it was kind of cool when they go out and give the ribbons to all the kids," she said.

"You get to meet a lot of new people and have a lot of fun," Bickford said about being in 4-H.

"More people should join because it's fun," he said.

A rodeo queen once gave Verploegen advice she has never forgotten, and she passed it on to other 4-H-ers.

"Work hard, dream big," she said.