Article written by: Tiffany Stroud
Sarah Hudson used the voice she found as a student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College to enter the Vigo County Fair Queen Pageant. After being judged on the basis of interview and conversational ability, speech and professionalism, poise, evening gown and professional wear, Hudson was crowned Vigo County Fair Queen.
Hudson, an accounting major from West Terre Haute, Ind., will be a sophomore in the fall and is a member of the Cross Country team.
“I don’t think words can even describe how I felt the moment I found out I was queen,” Hudson said. “I still can’t believe it’s real.”
The pageant is important to Hudson because it helps her gain life skills such as confidence, perseverance and courage – skills SMWC also provides its students. As the county fair queen, Hudson is responsible for participating in fair activities, presenting ribbons and awards during livestock shows, being present at entertainment events and serving as the hostess of the county fair.
[Becoming fair queen] gives me even more opportunities to serve the community and county that I love,” Hudson said. “Representing Vigo County is an honor. We are a great community and others around the state need to know that. I just hope I do our county proud.”
In August, Hudson will compete against 82 other young women at the Indiana State Fair for the title of Indiana State Fair Queen.
Hudson believes entering the queen pageant was a great way to stay involved in 4-H. During her years as a 4-H member, she was involved in several projects including consumer clothing, which she participated in for 10 years. She was also involved in foods, scrapbooking and microwave cooking, among other projects.
Community is important to Hudson, as it is what she loves about 4-H and why she chose SMWC to further her education.
“My favorite thing about 4-H would be the community that is formed between the 4-Hers,” Hudson said. “SMWC is a community in itself, and it’s an amazing feeling being there. I chose SMWC because it felt like home. Even though I am a commuter, it was like another home to me.”
Hudson said she has been surprised by the amount of support by the faculty and staff at SMWC following her crowning as queen.
“The emails, cards and high-fives I am receiving from staff and faculty [at SMWC] are amazing, and I am so thankful for each and every one of them,” Hudson said. “SMWC is an amazing school with amazing staff and faculty. They are always there to help students in need.”
Hudson said she plans to finish college at SMWC with a degree in accounting, but as far as the future she doesn’t yet know what her plans will be. However, with a crown on her head and an SMWC degree in her hand, Hudson’s future is sure to be full of success, achievement and happiness.