The Miss Coos County scholarship winners are traveling to Seaside to compete for more scholarships, and a chance to win the title of Miss Oregon and Miss Teen Oregon.
Miss Coos County, Kiri Goodson, 18, is a recent graduate of Marshfield High School and has plans to attend Princeton University.
Miss Coos County Teen, Kaytlin Johnson, is a 16-year-old who will be heading into her Junior Year at Coquille High School.
The pair of local teenagers headed to the statewide-competition during the last week in June. Before they left, they shared their stories with The World.
Both young women said they joined pageants as a way to challenge themselves, gain new experiences and earn scholarships to further their education.
“I've always been very a dedicated and studious person, but juggling senior year with pageants and preparing for Miss Oregon has been certainly a whirlwind,” Kiri said.
“I really learned how to prioritize and take time for my own mental health, while still checking all the boxes and being sure I can be the best person that I can be,” she said.
Kaytlin is also immersed in a variety of activities. She participated in both volleyball and track during the school year, and was involved in the National Honor Society, in addition to her pageant participation.
The Coos County title holders said pageants have made them more well-rounded young women.
“One of the aspects of the competition that I love the most is that there are so many different little factors that go into your overall score,” Kiri said.
To win a title, pageant members need to excel in multiple areas. During their competition, the local teenagers are judged on how well they answer interview questions, how they hold themselves, and how well they perform in talent, evening wear and fitness competitions.
Kaytlin said she has learned a lot about public speaking through her participation in pageants.
“I was just getting into being on stage when I was younger and competing in pageants when COVID hit. Then, I didn't really have that opportunity anymore,” she said.
“Now, being in this program taught me how to speak on stage, to speak to judges in a formal way, and also how to be friends with people backstage,” Kaytlin said.
The two local pageant competitors said they were looking forward to competing in Miss Oregon and Miss Teen Oregon.
They said the atmosphere at the events are competitive, yet friendly.
“At the end of the day it is a competition and there are those competitive nerves, but we're all there to support each other,” Kiri said.
“We're mostly just all focused on ourselves. But, backstage we are sisters because this is a program we are all a part of,” she said.
The Coos County title-holders said after a lot of preparation and anticipation, they were ready to compete in the state-wide competition.
“What I really love about our program is that it puts a special emphasis on talent – and going on stage and presenting yourself. That's what I love the most,” Kiri said.
“It's definitely preparing us for the real world and getting us to grow as young women,” Kaytlin added.
“They really want to get to know us and how we can contribute to our community,” she said.
Most Popular
Comments / 0