POULSBO — Alex Duchemin had a lot on her mind the first week of July. As one of 22 Miss Washington hopefuls competing for the crown at Tacoma’s Pantageous Theater, she had dance routines to learn, a song to practice and a four-minute onstage interview to prepare for. But in the little free time she had, Duchemin decided to do one other thing.

She decided to blog.

“It’s been a chance for people to see what I actually do for Miss Poulsbo,” she said. “It’s time consuming, but worth it.”

Though Duchemin didn’t take the Miss Washington crown, she was awarded a $500 Swimsuit Award, the People’s Choice award, a $1,000 Miss America Community Service award and the title of second runner-up. This was Duchemin’s second attempt at the statewide contest. Unlike her previous visit, the former Miss Viking Fest 2002 and Miss Whatcom County 2005 said she felt calm, cool and collected.

“I was less nervous, more comfortable on stage,” she said. “I really placed the outcome in God’s hands. I was able to rest in that and know it would happen… I couldn’t believe it. I was just not nervous. I just had to shine and be the best me I could be.”

During her onstage interview, Duchemin was asked about her adapted aquatics program, which allows disabled people to partner with able-bodied volunteers and swim. When asked what she learned from buying her own home, Duchemin admitted to sometimes wishing she still had a landlord to depend on.

“There’s the little things like if the power goes out or if there’s a clogged toilet,” she said at the pageant. “It has given me a sense of responsibility and a mortgage payment…a bigger picture of the future.”

Representing her historical hometown was huge bonus to Duchemin, who sang a rendition from “Seussical the Musical” for the competition’s talent portion.

“It was a big step,” Duchemin said of singing at the pageant. “They got to see some personality.”

Spending time with other Miss Washington contestants felt like being with family, and the chaperones and directors were supportive and enabled her focus, she said.

“It literally felt like a little pack of ducks,” Duchemin said. “The actual week at the Tacoma Sheraton was a breeze… that is a huge relief.”

Aside from the scholarships she’s earned and skills she’s mastered, Duchemin said the lifelong friendships she attained are priceless.

“This year was to me about as good as it could get,” she said. “From the Miss America program I’ve made $15,000, but it’s been very rewarding personally.”

Duchemin was crowned Miss Poulsbo March 24, the same day she graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in English elementary education. She is now looking for teaching jobs in the area.

To read Duchemin’s Miss Poulsbo blog, visit www.misspoulsbo2007.blogspot.com