Heather Fried crowned

The three girls sit delicately at the edge of their seats with knees together and ankles crossed. Sitting that way makes it hard to slouch. Their shoulders are back and their heads are high.

They are royalty.

Last Saturday, 13 area high school juniors competed in the Miss Spokane Valley Ambassador Scholarship Program.

Heather Fried of University High School was crowned Miss Spokane Valley. The two ambassadors are Hailey Parrish of U-Hi and Emily Skaufel of East Valley.

The competition, presented by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the girls’ positive contributions to the community.

“It’s a neat experience,” said Eldonna Shaw, chamber president and chief executive officer. “We should have had a dozen applicants from each Valley school. It’s not a beauty pageant but an opportunity for civic-minded young ladies to be involved in the community.”

The girls stepped into the bright lights in front of a cheering audience of more than 300 at Central Valley High School.

“The competition was like a boxing match of emotions, excitement versus nerves,” Parrish said. “The day was long and tiring, walking around on stage in sweats and heels, but the knowledge that it would pay off in the end helped the day go by smoothly.”

The competition, based on academics, school involvement, awards, personality and speaking ability, included evening gowns, business suits, an essay presentation, a personal interview and an impromptu question-and-answer.

Last year’s ambassadors wrote the questions.

The question for Fried was: “Spokane Valley’s color is green. If you could change it, what would you change it to and why?”

Fried answered “red.”

“Green symbolizes our new beginnings and tremendous growth. However, we need to embrace our community and gain confidence in the beautiful place we live in,” Fried said. “We are powerful, and it is time we come out of the shadows of Spokane and gain a name for ourselves, where everyone, including my generation, has pride in our city.”

Fried said her goals are to infuse pride in Spokane Valley and serve her community while acting as a role model.

Parrish agreed, saying, “I want to be someone whom people from younger generations can look up to and that older generations can gain an understanding of the good that my generation is capable of.”

Skaufel also is eager to get out into the community.

Scholarships, made available through donations and fundraising by the Spokane Valley Chamber Foundation, were awarded to the winners.

Now and through their senior year, they will serve as goodwill ambassadors for the community, attending city and business events, including parades.

“It’s not about us,” Parrish said. “It’s about connecting with the community, public speaking and business.”

“It’s an opportunity to serve others,” Fried said. “I truly love this city.”

“I am honored to be chosen to represent this community,” Skaufel said.