Alicia Smaciarz, of Raymond, center, was crowned the new Washington state dairy ambassador in Tacoma on Saturday. Alternative ambassadors are Tiana Peterson, left, and Jana Plagerman.
Alicia Smaciarz, 18, Raymond, and representing Lewis and Pacific counties, was named the state dairy ambassador during the 61st annual Dairy Ambassador Coronation Saturday in Tacoma.
Selected as equal Alternate Ambassadors were Jana Plagerman, from Lynden, representing Whatcom County, and Tiana Peterson, from Graham, representing King-Pierce counties.
Smaciarz was one of six finalists at the coronation at the Ballroom of the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center.
As a representative of the Dairy Farmers of Washington, the state dairy ambassador and alternates will visit schools, attend county fairs, appear at Washington Interscholastic Activities Association events and speak before the Washington state Legislature promoting the health and nutrition benefits of dairy products.
A dairy ambassador typically makes 400 public appearances during her year-long tenure. At the end of the reign Smaciarz and her alternate ambassadors will receive scholarships to continue their education.
The dairy industry was represented at the pageant by 2015-16 Washington State Dairy Ambassador Nicole Buell (Marysville) and alternate state dairy ambassadors Amanda Howe (Bellingham) and Lydia Johnson (Ethel).
The other 2016 finalists were Becca Bartelheimer, Snohomish County; Allyson Carothers Snohomish County; and Caitlin Meek, Grays Harbor County.
