4-H Queen crowned at fair

The 2014 4-H Queen was crowned at the Hill County Fair Thursday.

Rinnah Kinsella, 16, was crowned as 4-H Queen in the Bigger Better Barn after the 4-H competition were wrapped up.

Kinsella has been with 4-H for nine to 10 years and said to become the 4-H queen, she has to go through an application and interview process.

"It's exciting," Kinsella said. "And a little nerve-wracking."

Kinsella was up against Taylor McLain, the second runner-up, and Ashley Hofland, the first runner-up.

Lea Ann Larson, a 4-H agent for Montana State University's Extension office in Hill County, said that the three contestants had to submit an application for candidacy. The application is judged by representatives from each of the 13 clubs in the region and is scored by them.

Last week, the contestants were interviewed and given a score for aspects such as poise, community service and what they would do if they received the queen designation. The contestants also had to talk about what leadership project they would take on for the year as 4-H queen.

Some of the projects that have been taken on by queens in past years are helping organize the 4-H year-end banquet, organizing a senior's ball and various community service projects.

Kinsella will also sit on the 4-H council and foundation for the year as part of her role as queen.

The Hill County 4-H Club has been crowning a 4-H queen for more than 40 years, Larson said.