Style, service, scholarship and success are the four pillars of the Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program. And as a part of the program, young women across the county work toward their educational, personal and professional goals while also serving their community. Along the way, Miss Thurston County contestants participate in personal and professional development courses and community building opportunities, while also developing lifelong friendships.
“It is very gratifying to see these amazing young women flourish in a short time,” says Wendy Hurst, co-executive director of the Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program. “And then watch what they go on to do in our community, and life in general.”
Since 1975, the Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to program participants. Not only a pageant, Miss Thurston County is also a platform to raise awareness about vital community issues. Each year, Miss Thurston County chooses a social impact initiative to raise funds and awareness as she wears the crown.
This year, nine contestants participated in the program, culminating in the crowning event at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Performing Arts on October 16. At the end of the evening, Amber Barton was named Miss Thurston County 2022.
Now settling into her new title as Miss Thurston County, Barton is currently a student at Shoreline Community College, studying pre-dental hygiene. To complement her education, Barton has been in the dental field for almost three years, and currently works as a dental assistant in Hawks Prairie. Originally from Alton, Missouri, Barton decided to participate in Miss Thurston County to become more connected to the South Puget Sound community. “I’m new to the area,” says Barton. “I wanted to make connections here!”
To help contestants achieve success, the Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program connects each program participant with a team of volunteers and community members who can help provide support and guidance throughout the program and beyond. Leading up to the crowning event, contestants participate in a two-month program, engaging in personal and professional development workshops related to resume crafting, interview preparation, financial planning, fitness and nutrition.
Community service is also a cornerstone of Miss Thurston County. During the program process, participants will also attend community service events while raising awareness for a larger cause within the community.
“Participants are also required to adopt a platform and to serve their community on behalf of these and other causes,” explains Hurst. “With the help of the program’s Board of Directors, volunteers and community supporters, doors are opened for lifelong opportunities.”
After a contestant is named Miss Thurston County, she will take on a service role within the community, using her platform to work with nonprofit organizations and civic groups to advocate for her chosen cause. This can include travel throughout the county for special charity events, fundraising opportunities, public speaking, community building or other volunteer work.
“Miss Thurston County uses the ‘power of the crown’ and the passion of participants to raise dollars and awareness for her platform and other charities,” said Hurst. “Miss Thurston County travels throughout the community, endorsing her platform. The Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program becomes a visible and influential voice, advancing the cause of charities looking for advocacy, support, and increased awareness.”
Barton’s initiative will focus on combating generational poverty and finding ways to provide low-income youth the chance to achieve success in school and other areas of their lives. “I make a variety of appearances,” explains Barton. “I serve as a role model for the younger kids in our community, and help organize events or programs that help drive my social impact initiative and bring it to life.”
Barton plans to work with nonprofit organizations and programs that work with local children who are affected by poverty. Barton wants to help encourage and empower local youth to forge opportunities to reach their goals and to imagine a better future. “I want to create a lasting impact on the community through my work,” says Barton.
Because Miss Thurston County is a part of the Miss America Organization, Barton will go on to participate at the state-level, competing for Miss Washington in July of 2022. In the meantime, Barton is excited to further connect with the Thurston County community while also raising awareness for causes that she holds close.
“I’m super excited for Miss Washington in July, and the ability to give back to the community that has gave so much to me already,” says Barton. “I’m super excited for this year, and I’m so lucky to have such a great board here to support me and all of my big ideas!”
To learn more about the Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program, visit the Miss Thurston County website.
