By: Diane, Executive Director of the
Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program
Many may ask, what role do pageants play in today’s society? If you would have asked me that question five years ago, I would have likely answered the same as too many others, none. However, my opinion has drastically changed, and I hope I can change yours as well.
Five years ago, my cousin, who was 17 years old at the time, decided to compete in a pageant with the intention of earning money for college. Through her experience, not only did she earn “some” money, she earned it all and is currently enrolled in Palmer College of Chiropractic in Iowa, without a debt to her name. Not only did she find a way to pay for college, she developed skills that continue to benefit her to this day. Additionally, she inspired her younger sister and cousin to be involved in this program and both have also earned additional money to assist in college expenses and have developed skills that have changed their lives for the better.
Being inspired by the dramatic change that this program made in my younger cousins, I have taken on the role of Executive Director of the Thurston County Pageant. The Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program (MTC) is a preliminary to the Miss Washington and Miss America Organizations. The Miss America Organization (MAO) just celebrated its 90th anniversary! Last year alone, the MAO awarded over $45 million dollars in scholarships and prizes to young ladies across our nation.
The Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program was formed in 1975 by individuals who had the goal of helping local young women achieve success. The program has made an impact in many lives, fulfilling the dreams of many in our community for over 35 years. The work of the Board of Directors and other volunteers has resulted in over 260 participants benefiting through personal, professional, and educational growth. This success has included the distribution of over $80,000 in scholarships, helping to meet the financial challenges of escalating educational expenses!
Participants in the MTC program participate in almost two months of workshops and clinics such as platform and resume building; interviewing skills; personal health and fitness; and budget and finance prior to even stepping foot on a stage. The goal of the MTC team of volunteers is to give local young women skills that they can take away, even if they are not awarded the MTC title. In addition to workshops, participants also take part in local community events and are assigned a Pageant Little Sister who they mentor for the months prior to the pageant.
Participants are also required to adopt a platform issue and to serve their community on behalf of these issues and other causes. With the help of the Board of Directors, volunteers and community supporters, doors are opened for lifelong opportunities.
• Miss Thurston County addresses community civic groups, partners, and other organizations about issues concerning her platform.
• Miss Thurston County uses the “power of the crown” to raise dollars and awareness for her platform and other charities.
• Miss Thurston County travels throughout the community, endorsing her platform. MTC becomes a visible and influential voice, advancing the cause of charities looking for advocacy, support, and increased awareness.
The success of the MTC Program is due to the partnerships developed between the program and community supporters. The MTC Program, like all programs in the MAO, is a non-profit program run entirely by volunteers. Sponsors, often generous individuals and local businesses, are the sole source of scholarship funds and the awards provided to participants.
The MTC Program provides an opportunity for young women to fulfill their potential. The participants are some of the most promising women in our area. They are goal-oriented role models who are striving to take advantage of the opportunity to achieve academic goals.
If you would like more information about our program or how to support the MTC Pageant, please contact us at director@missthurstoncounty.org or see our Facebook page or website, www.missthurstoncounty.org. I hope that I have impacted your opinion of what the Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program is all about. We are honored to be part of this community and hopeful that you will help us to support our local young women.
