This last weekend, 27 fabulous young ladies from across the
state competed for the title of Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen 2012. Unfortunately, in order to be a part of Moses
Lake’s biggest night of the year (Saturday of Spring Festival), I had to miss
the first night of competition in which all 27 ladies competed in the preliminary
competition. As I could not be there for
her, I had spent quite a while writing a letter to Miss Moses Lake’s
Outstanding Teen, Erin Carter, to be delivered to her before the preliminary
competition. In the letter, I let her
know just how proud I was of her, told her how certain I was that she would
make herself, community and Lord proud with her presentation, and reminded her
that the Lord had her in his hands and was in that auditorium as her biggest
fan.
But while I could not be there Saturday, on Sunday I eagerly
made my way to Seattle for the final night of competition in which the top 10
competed for the state title!
After reuniting with the other “Miss” contestants, we all
took our seats in the front corner, and shortly after, the house lights dimmed,
show lights began to flash, and a deep, theatrical voice came overhead with a “Ladies
and Gentlemen….” In that moment, I think
nearly every person in the theater had goose bumps, but probably few had as
many as the Miss contestants in the front corner: the excitement that awaits us
in just over a month at the Miss Washington contest, had suddenly become very
real.
After some heavy anticipation with lights and announcements,
the curtains parted with the opening dance number…and there they were! All 27 beautiful young ladies!!
I very literally began to tear up as I watched my lady,
Erin, dance with confidence, beauty and grace.
After the music died down, the ladies awaited the announcement of their contestant
number and name, and each walked to the center of the stage to wave on their introductory
cue. But when Erin got to the center, instead
of waving, she turned and looked square at me and blew a kiss. I became even more teary eyed, and all the
Miss contestants turned to smile at me as I screamed and waved in
response. There was MY girl!!!! As beautiful as ever and making me proud as
could be!
After a great first half with fitness and talent, there was
an intermission, followed by second half with evening gown, on-stage question
and results. It is custom for the
visiting royalty to be introduced at the opening of the 2nd half,
and as I waited backstage, I got to watch once again as Erin danced as part of
the 2nd half opener. As she
walked off stage, I called her over and gave her the biggest hug of her
life. While words cannot explain how
proud I am, I attempted to tell her as I held her tight. We both teared up a bit, and she let me know
how much it meant to her that I was there and that my letter had made her
cry. As some of the other Miss
contestants watched on, a couple got teary eyed themselves watching Erin and my
exchange. Simply put, I LOVE this girl,
and wish she could know just how proud she made me that night! Truly, a lady who defines beauty inside and
out, and who has grown enormous amounts in the last few months!
 |
| With the beautiful Miss Moses Lake's Outstanding Teen, Erin Carter!! |
In the end, 10 incredibly impressive ladies competed in the
final night, and a few truly deserving ladies took the top slots. A past Miss Moses Lake’s Outstanding Teen, and
the current Miss Columbia Basin’s Oustanding Teen, McKenna Reis, took 2nd
runner up. KcKenna graced evening gown
better than any teen contestant I have ever seen, and made an absolutely
breathtaking statement through her presence all night.
First runner up went to Allison Arthur, Miss Auburn’s
Outstanding Teen. As the Miss Auburn
program is brand new, it is incredibly impressive to already have one of their
title holders place so well!
Congratulations to the Miss Auburn program!
And the winner? A
huge Congratulations goes to Miss Tri-Cities Outstanding Teen, Janae Calaway….our
new Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen!!
By all accounts, she is someone the young individuals across our great
state can look up to as a role model, and be excited to have as their
representative!
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