Riley Kitson, Miss Congeniality, models her red sequined, One Step evening gown. She is proud to be part of the pageant community and stays in touch with the girls who became her lifelong friends during preparations for the Elkhart County 4-H Queen pageant. Photo provided by Brandi Kitson.

By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — “Running for the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Queen puts a girl in a new community,” stated Riley Kitson, a 2023 graduate of NorthWood High School. “In the six weeks I spent with the other pageant contestants I gained some lifelong friendships. When they voted for me as Miss Congeniality, I appreciated it so much. It was a vote of confidence from close friends.”

The pageant contestants met every Monday for six weeks before the pageant. “We learned to walk in heels and practiced possible interview questions. I wanted to reach out to each girl and get to know her. I think that was the best part of the pageant. We got so close that we felt free to relate on a super-personal level.”

Kitson also watched for girls who might have felt on the outside looking in. “I tried to make sure everyone was included — part of the group. I wanted to see everyone smile and be happy. We cheered one another on when we were modeling. The dresses were fabulous. We were all hyped up to see the particular styles the girls chose.”

Kitson’s evening gown was a real showstopper. She modeled a red sequined, One Step dress. “I was sponsored by Bill Evans Insurance.”

Running for queen is not just a competition. “I believe it grows a girl’s personality. We come out of our shells — leave our comfort zones. Even now, I text and hang out with the girls I got to know in the pageant.”

The fair queen pageant was held Friday, July 19. The Tuesday before was the preliminary judging. “The judges were interested in my 4-H experience mostly. I remember them asking me about my feeding regiment for my dairy calves.”

The Kitsons are a 4-H family. “My older brother, Keaton, is a 10-year 4-H’er. He supplies pigs for the swine club. My mother, Brandi, is on the dairy feeder board. My dad, Jeff, is a commentator at showings and does the Walton Web Casting.” Riley is also a 10-year 4-H’er. “I showed dairy feeder calves and was a member of the swine and beef clubs.”

Kitson believes 4-H instills leadership, determination and a love of hard work for club members. “I served as a dairy feeder officer. I loved helping young people show their animals. We introduced to them the importance of showmanship and perseverance. We also showed them how to control and run a meeting.”

She is also working to be a pro on the golf course. “I’m studying pre-vet biology at Huntington University. I’m also playing on their golf team. I hope to someday be a veterinarian specializing in large animals.”

Kitson has a sixth sense when it comes to dealing with animals. “I enjoy the thought of helping animals that are uncomfortable. I will be helping owners by zeroing in on the root of the problem that they may not be able to detect.”

The rural life is one of the things this young lady enjoys best. “Country neighbors are awesome. We help one another. I know when I am in trouble, they are there for me. But I’m also there for them.”

Kitson encourages young people to get involved in 4-H. She hopes the girls will run for fair queen. “I encourage everyone to become involved in opportunities in the community.”