Melissa Nothstein was named 2015 Carbon County Fair Queen on Monday night.

Nothstein, 18, beat out the three other finalists, Kaylyn Ahner, of Lehighton, Felicia Sue Anthony, of Lehighton, and Ryann Enslin, 18, of Albrightsville. Ahner was first runner-up.Nothstein said she was "very grateful" for everyone's support, and thanked the judges.She was crowned by Jordan Behrens, last year's Carbon County Fair Queen.For the second time ever, the Carbon County Fair Queen will go on to compete in the state fair queen program held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey in January 2016.Nothstein is the daughter of Jacob and Kimberly Nothstein of Lehighton.She was the 2014 Carbon County Fair Queen runner-up.Nothstein has been active in the East Penn Township Fire Company as a junior firefighter; provided baby-sitting services during the Mahoning Elementary PTO meetings, and has provided education for the Mahoning Elementary kindergarten students regarding farm animals.She is a member of the 4-H Livestock Club, was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America; and served as a track and field manager and athlete. Nothstein has also been a member of the Good New Clubs at Mahoning Elementary School.Nothstein has had entries in the Carbon County Fair and has won several ribbons. Her interests include animals and science and she will be attending Delaware Valley University for preveterinarian in the fall.New this year was a Junior Miss program, which was won by Mercy Melo, 15, of Lehighton.Mercy beat out the other two finalists, Erin McGinley, 15, of Lehighton, and Chelsea Eckhart, 15, of Lehighton.Also crowned by Behrens, she is the daughter of Monica and Sal Melo of Lehighton and is in the 11th grade at Palmerton Area High School.Mercy has received the Sen. David Argall award for citizenship on two occasions, and has received high honors during her freshman and sophomore years. In addition, she has received two varsity letters.Mercy has been involved with volunteering for Farmer for a Day at the Carbon County Fair, Palmerton Lions Club fundraisers, Big Creek Grange Flea Market, a funnel cake stand, 4-H camp counselor; and serves as a 4-H ambassador.Her school activities include field hockey, tennis, International Travelers Club and Future Business Leaders of America.She enjoys teaching fourth grade Sunday school, and is a member of the Carbon County 4-H Livestock Club and the 4-H Ambassadors.Her hobbies and interests include raising livestock, running and kayaking.Following high school, she plans to major in biology and veterinary medicine.The teens received scholarships.To be eligible to participate in either contest, contestants must reside in Carbon County or West Penn Township in Schuylkill County.