13 Compete For Miss Spokane Saturday

The 13 women participating in the 1997 Miss Spokane Scholarship Pageant will showcase their talents Saturday at Spokane Falls Community College.

But to some people, the very name of the pageant invites a question: Is it a beauty contest or is it really all about scholarships?

“It doesn’t stress the beauty,” says executive director Carol Grover. “The winner is not based on looks.”

Instead, says Grover, it is based on intelligence, education, the goals contestants have for themselves, and the platforms they advocate. The fact that the winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship and all contestants will receive smaller amounts is stressed.

So why continue the swimsuit competition if it’s not about beauty? “I’m hoping that will be a change that will be made in the future,” says Grover.

The women get other benefits from the pageant in addition to scholarship money, says Grover. During the past six weeks, the contestants have been taught how to conduct themselves during an interview, something that will help them with future job interviews.

Contestants in this year’s competition will be judged in four areas; interview, talent, evening wear and physical fitness in a swimsuit. The winner of the contest, in addition to representing Spokane as an official hostess, will go on to compete in the Miss Washington pageant in June.

Pageant contestants are Sarah Aanderud, Rhonda Ferns, Lacey Johnson, Angela Kirkman, Lisa Leeming, Jennifer Matheis, Jessica McGrath, Arlene Miller, Vicki Miller, Abigail Palmer, Samantha Schuck, Kathryn Walter and Kathey Wilson.

Tickets to the 7 p.m. event in SFCC’s Music Auditorium, are $12 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.