Sydney Neideffer struck rhinestones in her first-ever pageant.
The nine-year 4-H member was crowned the 2023 Miss Montgomery County on Saturday before a packed 4-H building.
Neideffer was one of 10 young women competing for the queen, princess and court titles at the 64th annual contest.
“This is so awesome,” she said shortly after being crowned by 2022 Miss Montgomery County Maggie Michael. “I couldn’t believe they announced my name.”
Neideffer never thought she’d compete in the program. However, with the encouragement and support of her friend, Miranda Crowe, the North Montgomery High School senior decided to enter the contest.
“I really wanted to get out of my comfort zone,” Neideffer said. “She (Crowe) really inspired me to do it this year and pushed me forward. I have her to thank for all of this really.”
Crowe would know what serving as local royalty entails. She was the 2022 Montgomery County Princess and shared Miss Congeniality honors with Michael.
Neideffer is grateful to have met so many amazing young women through the program.
She is looking forward to being at the week-long county fair, which begins Friday and continues through July 20.
Neideffer added she is looking forward “to seeing everyone, all their amazing projects, all the livestock — it will be amazing.”
She is the daughter of Randy and Julie Neideffer.
Joining Neideffer on the court is first runner-up Halle Elliott, second runner-up Abigail Sayler, Miss Congeniality and Montgomery County Princess Peri McClaskey and princess first runner-up Kylee Reeves. Elizabeth Cain received the Elaine Chambers Award.
Four livestock queens also were named during Saturday’s contest. They are Clair Simpson, Beef Queen; Mady Bush; Goat Queen, Kelsey Thompson, Sheep Queen; and Elizabeth Cain, Pork Queen.
