Miss Spokane Valley crowned

Surrounded by well-wishers clutching roses and gazing into flashbulbs, the newly crowned Miss Spokane Valley could only think of a few words to describe her feelings after winning.

“It’s weird,” Central Valley High School student Anna Daines said. “It’s almost overwhelming.”

Daines competed with 14 other high school juniors for the title in a ceremony at University High School Saturday night.

“I had no idea what the outcome would be,” Daines said. “I had no idea that I could meet 14 new people and hope for them all to win.”

Brittany Birkett of University High School and Amanda Edens of West Valley were crowned ambassadors alongside Daines.

The trio will represent the city of Spokane Valley in parades and other events. The Miss Spokane Valley program returned in 2004 after a 24-year absence and is organized by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The event showcases the brightest young women in the community and offers everyone a chance to display their abilities, said Eldonna Gossett, president of the chamber.

“Every one of these girls are fabulous representatives for our community,” Gossett said after the ceremony. “I think we can be really proud of the young people we’re raising in this community.”

The event, hosted by television and radio personality Debra Wilde, featured the candidates reading from their application essays, as well as impromptu questions for each candidate.

During her impromptu question, Daines, a musician with several vocal jazz awards and a Chase Youth Award winner in 2001, told judges that President Bush was a public servant she wished could be more appreciated.

“He is actually a very amazing person,” Daines said. “He has such a low approval rating and it really amazes me, because I personally admire him a lot.”

Daines went on to say that she defended the president’s policies during classroom debates and emphasized how important it is to stick to your guns.

“It’s very important to say what you think, even if it’s not popular,” she said.

A slideshow featuring highlights of the previous year’s royalty played just before the winner of the pageant was announced, and the 2005 winners said a final goodbye before crowning their successors.

Daines said she is looking forward to the coming year. “It’s going to be an amazing experience,” she said.