When we think of pageants, we often envision glitz and glamour, with contestants vying for a crown and title. However, in Southwest Washington, there are pageants that go beyond the surface and focus on making a positive impact in the community. These pageants shine a spotlight on important causes and charities, bringing attention and support to those in need.
The Miss Clark County Scholarship Program
The Miss Clark County Scholarship Program is a local pageant that has been running for over 60 years. It is an official preliminary to the Miss Washington and Miss America pageants.While the pageant does have a talent portion and crowns a winner, its main focus is on scholarship and community service. The contestants in this pageant are required to have a platform, which is a cause or issue that they are passionate about and want to bring awareness to. The platform can be anything from mental health advocacy to environmental conservation. Throughout their reign, the winner and her court work tirelessly to promote their platforms and make a difference in the community. One of the recent winners of the Miss Clark County title, Emily Hutchison, used her platform to raise awareness about childhood hunger. She organized food drives and partnered with local organizations to provide meals for children in need.
Her efforts not only brought attention to this important issue but also made a tangible impact on the lives of children in her community.
The Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program
Similar to the Miss Clark County pageant, the Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program also focuses on scholarship and community service. Contestants are required to have a platform and use their title to make a positive impact in the community. In 2019, the winner of the Miss Thurston County title, Kaitlyn Dillard, used her platform to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. She organized a mental health fair and partnered with local organizations to provide resources and support for those struggling with mental health issues. Her efforts not only brought attention to this important cause but also provided much-needed support for those in need.The Miss Grays Harbor Scholarship Program
The Miss Grays Harbor Scholarship Program is another local pageant that focuses on scholarship and community service.Contestants are required to have a platform and use their title to make a positive impact in the community. In 2020, the winner of the Miss Grays Harbor title, Kelsey Schmidt, used her platform to raise awareness about domestic violence and support survivors. She organized a fundraiser for a local domestic violence shelter and partnered with organizations to provide resources and support for survivors. Her efforts not only brought attention to this important issue but also provided much-needed support for those affected by domestic violence.
The Miss Pacific Northwest Scholarship Program
The Miss Pacific Northwest Scholarship Program is a relatively new pageant in Southwest Washington, but it has already made a significant impact. This pageant focuses on empowering young women and promoting community service. In 2020, the winner of the Miss Pacific Northwest title, Kaitlynne Postelwait, used her platform to raise awareness about childhood cancer and support families affected by it.She organized a fundraiser for a local children's hospital and partnered with organizations to provide resources and support for families. Her efforts not only brought attention to this important cause but also provided much-needed support for families going through a difficult time.
Conclusion
Pageants in Southwest Washington may not be as well-known as those on a national level, but they are making a significant impact in their communities. These pageants go beyond the surface and focus on important causes and charities, bringing attention and support to those in need. The contestants use their titles to make a positive impact, and their efforts have a ripple effect, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference. So the next time you hear about a pageant in Southwest Washington, remember that it's not just about the glitz and glamour.It's about shining a spotlight on important causes and charities, and making a positive impact in the community.
