Being crowned queen at the Johnson County Fair is a moment that Beth Struzynski will never forget.

Beth Struzynski, 16, of Oxford, gets a hug from friend Laura Schulte, 16, of Oxford, after winning the 2004 Johnson Couty Fair Queen Contest on Monday night at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Press-Citizen/Matthew Holst

As she stood in front of the variety tent Monday night and heard her name as the winner, she fought back tears.

"I'm in shock," she said, repeatedly, as friends and family congratulated her.

The coveted title has taken many girls two or three times to land in years past. Struzynski was crowned on her first try.

The Oxford teen's talent and personality just stood out, said Jessie Hutcheson, the 2003 Iowa State Fair Queen and one of the three judges of this year's event.

"She has great poise and is a beautiful girl," Hutcheson said. "She couldn't have a bigger smile on stage."

Judge Joan Vondracek agreed.

Contestant Amanda Seelman talks with other competitors as they wait to compete in the 2004 Johnson County Fair Queen Contest on Monday evening at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Press-Citizen/Matthew Holst

"She had all the qualities they asked us to look for," Vondracek said.

There were nine girls in this year's contest from across the county.

Judging is based on leadership, citizenship, personality, attitude, poise and appearance through a personal interview relating to self, activities and special topics. Contestants need to be an active 4-H or FFA member.

On stage, contestants were asked questions drawn from a fish bowl. "What advantages does your generation have over your parents?" was one. "What qualities are important for a friend to have?" was another.

Struzynski, 16, will spend the rest of the week at the fairgrounds handing out ribbons and greeting residents.

In addition to her crown, she won several gifts from local businesses including: a savings bond from Hills Bank and Trust, a tanning package, jewelry from Herteen and Stocker, a Younkers gift basket, a trophy from Harry's Custom Trophies and a photo session from Horan Studios.

The main sponsor for this year's contest, South Slope Telephone Co., will make it possible for her to compete in the Iowa State Fair Queen Pageant on Aug. 14 for the chance to win a college scholarship and a savings bond.