My mother was Miss Kingston in 1985 and then continued with the pageant as a director, so pageants have been in my blood since I can recall. I always dreamed of how exciting it would be to be Miss Kingston, but only until I was able to live the dream did I learn how special it truly can be. The poise, confidence, speaking skills, teamwork, and so much more, are all things that will never be forgotten.
To the small town of Kingston and the big county of Kitsap, thank you for your support. The Poulsbo-North Kitsap Rotary has embraced me along with Kingston Lumber Supply, following suit in my efforts to raise money for cancer. Together, we raised over $845 to help find a cure for breast cancer. Thank you to the Miata Club and the Miata owners: you guys are so kind to parade me around all day. To Leslie and Dave and the rest of the gang, thank you for putting your lives on hold to help our year be a successful one. Leslie, you are a phenomenal teacher, coach and friend, and I will always be grateful for the lessons I learned and the things we encountered together. I would also like to thank my sponsors: Jan Zufelt of John L. Scott Kingston, Kingston Thriftway, Kitsap Credit Union, JB Concrete, Rob Thomas Construction, Bird Electric, Hardware Wholesale, Mattson Construction, Kingston Lumber Supply, Miller Bay Water Company, Superior Cabinets, and Poulsbo Athletic Club – you all are wonderful and help keep the pageant alive.
It sure was a year of firsts with the new high school, but the newness of the school did not stop the support. Thank you to the students and staff of Kingston High, your participation in the Pink Spirit Days and coin drive for Passionately Pink for the Cure™ was an incredible sight to see.
Sitting on top of the Miata in a parade and seeing the eagerness of the young girls who look up to me is a heart-warming feeling that very few people get to experience; I am lucky to say that I am one of the people who did. I used to be the young girl who went to parades to see Miss Kingston and her court. I waited and waited and wouldn’t miss it for anything (not even the cotton candy or snow cones). Being in the spotlight and the focus of many young people is an exciting, yet humbling experience.
All six of the contestants are wonderful young women and I honestly wish them all the best of luck on pageant night, but more importantly in life and in their futures. Don’t give up on any dream you have, because nothing is out of your reach. If you’re driven enough, you will succeed. Good luck!
A bit of advice to the upcoming Miss Kingston: your reign as Miss Kingston is only what you make of it. All of the contestants are outstanding young women, but you were the one the judges felt would best represent Kingston and follow through on the promises of community service. Take the title, and run – go as far as you can with it. Visit places, meet people, promote your platform, and get involved. Make your year the best year you can! Put all you can into it, so you’ll get all you can out of it.
Throughout the process of preparation last summer, I learned so many new things that I will carry with me for future endeavors. My journey as the title-holder of Kingston has been one exhilarating ride. I’ve developed who I am and my beliefs. I am a firm believer that you will get out of life what you put into it.
