Miss Lewis County Pageant Hits the Stage Saturday

Prepare to dance into this year’s Miss Lewis County Scholarship Program and celebrate its 57th anniversary. This Saturday, six women will compete for the crown and more than $9,000 in scholarships, including tuition for a year at Centralia College. The winner will also compete later this year in the Miss Washington pageant. 

Last year’s winner, Marisa Hall, said she is excited to share what she has accomplished in the past year at Saturday’s pageant. However, she is also excited to crown the next Miss Lewis County, and has been helping mentor this year’s contestants. 

“A year ago from today I was a shy girl that could barely speak on the radio,” Hall said. “(The contestants) are all ready to the point where they can just talk with ease.”

Samantha Styger, the Public Relations Board Member and interview coach for contestants, is excited for a new year of giving back to the community.

“We’re able to thank Marisa for all the hard work she’s done and share that with the community,” Styger said. “There’s six amazing young ladies ... any one of them is going to make a wonderful Miss Lewis County. I don’t envy judges at all.”

Over the past year, Hall has taken time to give back to her community. She created a platform called “Act and Impact,” which focuses on mentoring the youth in the community. Hall has also raised money for the Boys & Girls Club of Chehalis and the Children’s Miracle Network.

“I truly believe in (The Boys & Girl’s Club) program and what they do for their kids after school and providing that safe place for them,” Hall said.

At last year’s Miss Washington Pageant, Hall placed in the top ten and received multiple scholarships. The winner of last year’s Miss Washington will also be attending and performing at this year’s Miss Lewis County pageant.

When Hall first became involved with Miss Lewis County, she did not have the support many other contestants have from their families. Growing up, Hall’s family had different opinions on the program, but their views changed once Hall decided to compete.

“Them seeing me push back their wishes and go for mine really encouraged them and inspired us both,” Hall said. “They learned more about the program and now we talk so graciously about it.”

After Hall hands off the title of Miss Lewis County, she plans to stay in the area for the next few months to participate in dance festivals and competitions. Hall is currently deciding whether to go to school in Washington or Oregon as she pursues a degree toward becoming a medical esthetician. Though she will be crowning a new winner, Hall said she will always be thankful for the Miss Lewis County Scholarship program.

“Honestly, it just shows how great our community really is and how tight-knit our community is,” Hall said. “Being able to be a voice for those that don’t get to be a voice is really where my growth came from.”

The pageant will take place Saturday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at Centralia College’s Corbet Theatre. Tickets are available for $20 at the door and doors will open at 6 p.m.

To learn more about the pageant, donating or volunteering, visit their Facebook page or website, http://misslewiscounty.com/. 

2019 Miss Lewis County Scholarship Pageant

Contestant 1: Hannah Beckwith 

Age: 19 

School: Centralia College 

Parents: Amanda Beckwith 

Hostess: Brandi Ellis 

Talent: Vocal — “Shallow” 

Platform: Speak Up! - Anti-Bullying Prevention Program 

Sponsor: Professional Stone Products 

Little Sister: Lily O’Neill 

Contestant 2: Kendall Campana 

Age: 22 

School: Centralia College 

Parents: Ken Campana and Paige LeJeune 

Hostess: Lisa Kinfle 

Talent: Vocal — “My Church” 

Platform: Empowering Young Women to Pursue STEAM Related Fields 

Sponsor: Ash & Roberts Family Dentistry 

Little Sister: Aubree Lloyd 

Contestant 3: Karsen Morris 

Age: 19 

School: Centralia College 

Parents: Bill & Sandy Morris 

Hostess: Cami Huntting 

Talent: Vocal — “Never Enough” 

Platform: Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders 

Sponsor: River Bend Pet Center & Newaukum Valley Veterinary Services 

Little Sister: Addyson Simonds 

Contestant 4: Celise Tinkham 

Age: 18 

School: Centralia College 

Parents: Roger Tinkham and Judith Kaamino 

Hostess: Roberta Sexsmith 

Talent: Dance — “Confident” 

Platform: Mental Health Awareness 

Sponsor: Southwest Washington Dance Center 

Little Sister: Layla St. Catherine 

Contestant 5: Rebecca Ford 

Age: 19 

School: Centralia College 

Parents: John & Rochelle Ford 

Hostess: Genny Coleman 

Talent: Classical Vocal — “Habanera” from Carmen 

Platform: Strengthening Our Community Through Selfless Living 

Sponsor: EK Riley Investments 

Little Sister: Emma Ferch 

Contestant 6: Delanie Calkins 

Age: 18 

School: W.F. West High School 

Parents: Kelly & Julie Calkins 

Hostess: Leslie Wohld 

Talent: Vocal — “Always Remember Us This Way” 

Platform: Blood Donation 

Sponsor: COPA Salon 

Little Sister: Avery Sahlin