Miss Elizabeth Steinlage was crowned as the 2025 North Carolina Watermelon Queen during the 42nd Annual North Carolina Watermelon Association's Convention held March 7 - 8, 2025, in Wrightsville Beach, NC.

Elizabeth (Elle) is the twenty-year-old daughter of Joe and Ashley Steinlage of Morrisville, North Carolina. She is a student at North Carolina State University majoring in Agricultural Science.

Elle is a Student Ambassador at North Carolina State University, representing the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She attended the 2024 Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference. She participates in the Agricultural Communicators Program, Agriculture Business Management Club, Ducks Unlimited State College Chapter, and Delta Gamma Eta Kappa Chapter. Elle made the Dean's List for both spring and fall 2024.

Elle aims to build a career specializing in the use of pesticides and gene editing in plants. She also hopes to acquire land and establish her own homestead, where she can raise crops and livestock.

When asked why she would like to be selected to serve as the Public Relations Representative for the North Carolina Watermelon Association, Elle said: "It would be an honor to be selected as the 2025 NC Watermelon Queen for the North Carolina Watermelon Association. I would work to promote the state's rich agricultural history and contributions from the watermelon industry. I believe that my passion for agriculture, combined with my commitment to community service and communication skills, will allow me to positively represent the association and its mission. I would be dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of watermelon farming and agriculture, fostering connections between growers and consumers.

Additionally, I am passionate about the importance of inspiring young people to appreciate and understand agriculture and its important role in feeding our communities. Being the 2025 North Carolina Watermelon Queen would be an amazing opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the watermelon and agriculture industry, educate the public, and encourage support for North Carolina agriculture. I would be thrilled to serve as a positive and enthusiastic voice for the North Carolina Watermelon Association."

As North Carolina Watermelon Queen, you will find Elle promoting North Carolina watermelons all across the state and nation. She will hold the state title for one year and represent the North Carolina Watermelon Association at the 2026 National Watermelon Association Convention in St. Pete Beach, Florida.