Jordyn Hall, Centralia, receives her sash after being announced the winner of the 2012 Miss Lewis County Pageant in Chehalis Saturday night.
Shaking and exhilarated, 19-year-old Jordyn Hall of Centralia covered her mouth and gasped in surprise and delight as her name was announced as Miss Lewis County 2012 Saturday evening at the Chester V. Rhodes Auditorium in Chehalis.
The Centralia College freshman then took the obligatory runway walk to greet her audience, balancing a crown, a large bouquet of flowers while waving and flashing a winning smile.
Contestants for the Miss Lewis County Scholarship Pageant were judged in five categories: a private judge’s interview, lifestyle and fitness, talent, an answer to an on-stage question and evening wear.
Hall was wearing a vivid red taffeta mermaid-style evening gown with a side jewel and jewel strap from Sewsies Diva Palace in Chehalis. For the talent segment, Hall tap-danced an energetic number to “I’ve Still Got My Health.” Her platform was education and prevention of bullying with an emphasis on online bullying.
With her title, Hall also won a $2,000 scholarship and entry to the Miss Washington pageant.
Of her win, Hall said at first she was “numb.”
“I couldn’t believe it. I just couldn’t believe it was actually happening at that moment,” she said.
Suffering from a cold earlier in the day, Hall said after the evening events she was going to go home and sleep.
If for some reason Hall is unable to fulfill the duties of Miss Lewis County, First Runner-Up Mallory Arnold of Onalaska would step in to do so. As First Runner Up, Arnold won a $900 scholarship. Arnold’s platform is “saving lives.” The 21-year-old is a student at St. Martin’s University in Lacey.
Chelsea DeHart of Adna placed as second runner-up, earning a $600 scholarship. Dehart, 19, is a student at Centralia College.
Miss Congeniality is voted on by the contestants, and the award went to Megan Briggs from Pe Ell. She also won a $300 scholarship. DeHart won the People’s Choice Award and a $176.50 scholarship. Several other scholarships ranging from $125 to $200 were also awarded to contestants.
A total of nine contestants held court on the R.E. Bennett Elementary School stage. Each one of them demonstrated a unique talent, strutting in bathing suits and later evening gowns, providing sensible answers to questions on significant issues, and stating their service platforms.
While the contestants were the main attraction of the evening, there was also plenty of other entertainment. The evening opened with Centralia College student Kristina Knutson singing the National Anthem with Color Guard provided by American Legion Post #17.
Then, Miss Lewis County 2011, Kara Jo Morris, joined the nine contestants on stage in a series of choreographed dances to music from the 1960s through today. The Rolling Stones’ hit “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” was the opening dance act. Others included 1970s disco-style dancing to “Stayin’ Alive,” and Micheal Jackson’s ‘80s hit “Thriller.”
Miss Lewis County winners from previous years also took to the stage. Present at Saturday’s event were Janice Laasko Marks, 1963; Sandy Marth Hill, 1965; Ann Goodwin Pederson, 1973; Wendy Whatley Garner, 1975; Candace Norberg Ash, 1978; Shawn Owens Peters, 1985; Julia McClure Gaul, 1990; Cynder Viles, 1993; Emily Parnham, 2008 and Hannah Ash (daughter of Norberg Ash), 2009.
Miss Lewis County 1985, Shawn Owens Peters, harmonized with Master of Ceremonies Rick Stockdale, singing “Hello World.”
The current Miss Washington, Brittney Henry, shared her talent – fiddle playing. She also recounted her recent misadventures in which her car, with several gowns and her Miss Washington crown and sash in it, was stolen.
Of the pageant, Bonnie Dickinson of Chehalis said “I thought it was wonderful, as always.”
Visiting Royalty, Miss Thurston County Tasia Jungbauer, complimented the diverse talent.
“I really enjoy watching the pageants. I think they’re fun and entertaining. The talent is always my favorite part,” she said.
Susan Ingram of Chehalis described the pageant “as a wonderful way for the young women to show how they feel about the county, and to show Lewis County what wonderful young women we’ve raised. I’m very proud of them all,” she added.
Ingram owns Sewsies Diva Palace in Chehalis and provides each new Miss Lewis County with a gown for the Miss Washington pageant. Kara Jo Morris wore the Tony Bowles white chiffon gown Ingram gave to her for her final runway walk.
1966 Miss Washington Says Winning Pageant Allowed Her to ‘Dream Really Big’
By The Chronicle
Miss Lewis County 1965 and Miss Washington 1966 Sandy Marth Hill served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the 2012 Miss Lewis County Scholarship Pageant held Saturday at R.E. Bennett School. Co-hosting with Hill was Master of Ceremonies Rick Stockdale.
“It’s great to be here. It’s just wonderful,” Hill said, greeting the packed Chester V. Rhodes Auditorium. Hill was one of 10 former Miss Lewis County winners present for the evening celebrations. Co-host Stockdale read a brief biography about Hill stating that winning the 1965 crown was a “stunning surprise” and gave her permission to “dream really big.”
Born in Centralia, Hill attended the University of Washington, went on to broadcast for Seattle’s KIRO-TV, reported for a Los Angeles TV station and co-hosted for Good Morning America. Presently, she lives In Seattle with her husband.
Of her pageant emcee experience, Hill said “It was fun.”
Winning the 1966 Miss Washington title, Hill said, was a great opportunity that allowed her to travel with her mother all over the state of Washington.
