IN OUR OPINION

"The folks who work hard all year to put together the Miss Poulsbo Pageant will see all their hard work come together this Saturday night. Although only one young woman wears the crown of Miss Poulsbo, we're all winners for having this pageant continue for 47 years in Poulsbo. Miss Poulsbo represents our community, its Nordic traditions, and hospitality at events throughout the year. These young women and their courts appear in parades, visit communities across the state and eat countless rubber chicken lunches with service organizations. They also offer a positive role model for younger girls. This year the Miss Poulsbo pageant organizers have gathered $10,000 in scholarship money from local businesses and organizations---a record-breaking total. The scholarships allow many talented, deserving young women an opportunity to pursue their educations. And, if you think pageants have gone out of style, meet the eight third-graders who are Little Sisters to the contestants. Their eyes shine when they are with their Big Sisters and they are excited about sharing a moment in the limelight on stage. There are many former Miss Poulsbos still actively involved in our community. Like the current Miss Poulsbo, Ashlee Redfern, they speak with pride about their reign and encourage young women to participate in the pageant. The title links generations of women to their community and to each other. If you can, attend the pageant this Saturday night at the North Kitsap Community Auditorium, you'll not only have a fun evening, you'll be supporting a hard-working group of people. See you there! "

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