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Five contestants took to the stage July 4 to compete in the annual Stanly County Fire Queen pageant hoping to win the crown.

The winner represented the hosts of the 65th annual Fourth of July celebration in Stanly, walking away with two awards.

Madelyn Efird, representing Oakboro VFD, was crowned as the 2023 Stanly County Fire Queen and named Miss Congeniality, an award voted on by contestants before the competition.

The 18-year-old winner, daughter of 1993 Fire Queen Merideth Eudy, will study health sciences at Clemson University in the fall. Her plans are to become an occupational therapist.

Efird said it was her first pageant she had ever entered.

She said she was happy enough when she was named Miss Congeniality before winning the crown, adding she felt excitement and surprise when she heard her named called again.

During the evening gown competition, Efird was asked about the qualities of a good leader.

“Some good qualities that are required of a leader is someone who is outgoing and not afraid to be bold and take the lead of a group…someone who is able to think before they speak, and just make the right decisions for people,” Efird said.

Jenna Faulkner, who represented Aquadale VFD, was named first runner-up.