Lily Larson crowned the 2023 Tippecanoe County 4-H Pageant Queen

LAFAYETTE, Ind. − Flowers, a crown and countless congratulations were showered upon 2023 Tippecanoe County 4-H Queen Lily Larson.

Larson has been part of 4-H for nine years. She is the daughter of Ben and Anna Larson from Tippecanoe County. Larson will be a sophomore this fall at Purdue University where she studies business analytics and information management.

According to the 4-H Exhibit Association, Larson's career goal is to work as a business manager for a non-profit or "company whose mission and values she supports."

She is also an active member of Christus Homines Drama Troupe, Redeeming Grace Church and Larsen Leaders Academy. Some of her honors include making the Purdue University dean's list; placing first in the Krannert and Eli Lilly Case Competition; earning an AP Scholar Award along with a national piano-playing auditions award; and a Reformed University fellowship. Larson has also served as an intern with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Jos, Nigeria.

First runner-up for the crown was Josie Castor, who will be attending Frontier School of the Bible in Wyoming this fall. The second runner-up was Hunter Royer, who will be a junior at Oklahoma State University in the fall, majoring in animal science with a focus in meat science.

Third runner-up is Emma Townsend. She will be a sophomore at Purdue University studying biology on a pre-med track.

Other contestants this year were: Courtney Buman, Abigail Fitzmorris, Hannah Hart, Madison Blickenstaff, Allison Tolen, Addyson Garrett and Anna Lilly.

Fitzmorris was selected as Miss Congeniality by the contestants. She will be a freshman at Purdue this fall, majoring in agriculture sales and marketing. She is a 10 year 4-H member.

"Participating in the pageant is a 4-H growth experience," the 4-H Exhibit Association said. "Pageant contestants learn valuable life skills, such as interviewing and public speaking, and develop friendships through the series of workshops in the months prior to the pageant. The pageant is a valuable growth and development opportunity, much like an additional 4-H project and requires a substantial investment of time to participate."

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: The 64th Annual Pageant Queen has been announced