By MICHAELA MEEKER

I will never forget the night I was crowned the 59th Miss Poulsbo.

It was such an honor to be able to represent such an amazing and loving community. I’ve had such a great experience and have had the privilege to work alongside with many important and dedicated people.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without my supportive family.

I’d like to thank:

My Nana, for always being there whenever I need her, my cuddle buddy when I had a rough day and always by my side telling me that I can do it and she believes in me. She has made me into the young woman I am today.

My Dad. Even though we both have busy schedules, we always seem to make time for our daddy/daughter dates. I am so proud to be the daughter of such a hard-working and generous man. He can always make me smile no matter what kind of day I’ve had.

My sister, Jordan. I don’t know where I’d be without her. She is an incredible blessing and I can honestly say that my sister is my best friend.She has never left my side, gives honest advice, and at the end of the day I know I can count on her. I hope that I am someone she looks up to, and that she has wonderful experiences in her future.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my caring stepmom, Sharon, for always taking me and scheduling my appointments, making sure I’m on track, and being the motherly figure that I need in my life. I appreciate everything she does for me.

Rayden Cardoza, my Little Sister for the pageant, is such a sweet and beautiful girl. I am very blessed to have had her as my Little Sister. Her future is so bright and I hope I have made a positive impact in her life.

I would also really love to thank my Corvette driver, Dave Ellingson, for always bringing me water, making me feel comfortable, letting me sit in his god-of-a-car, and for always offering anything I would possibly need. I am happy that he has been a part of this experience with me.

One of my fondest memories of this year would be when I was at the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting and, before we took the picture, Mayor Becky Erickson held my hand and told me that she was proud of me. It brought me so much joy and I was smiling from ear-to-ear. I thought to myself, “Did the mayor of Poulsbo really just say SHE was proud of ME?!”

I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience such a fabulous year if it wasn’t for this organization. This organization wouldn’t be the same without the wonderful Board of Directors: Bruce and Lynda Nilsen, Michelle Rider, Jeana and Doug Halversen, Lori McClanahan, and Gisele Griffiths. You are all such loving people who have been great leaders throughout this experience. Your time is greatly appreciated.

My appearances this year wouldn’t be the same without Epiphany Nick, Holly Wasson, Jessicajae Townsend, and Michele Wasson. I’ve been introduced to so many new things: Cherry Coke, Frostys, Coldstone, deep-fried Twinkies and Oreos, Doritos tacos, tie dying, and many more fun things. I’m very happy I got to experience those things with all of you.

Epiphany Nick, even though we didn’t talk much during the pageant process, we instantly became best friends and we share so many things in common. I still get excited when I see you! You are always so polite and always have the right words to say, you can always make my day.

Holly Wasson, you can always make me laugh no matter what and you’re always full of funny stories to tell.

Jessicajae Townsend, I don’t think I’ve even seen anyone sell tickets as fast as you can. I enjoyed working with you this year and I hope for nothing but the best for your future.

Michele Wasson, thank you for everything that you do. For protecting us, going to every appearance with us, and being our pageant mom. I want you to know that your hard work pays off and it doesn’t go unnoticed. You are such a beautiful person inside and out. It has been my honor and privilege to have worked with you this past year.

— Miss Poulsbo 2012 Michaela Meeker is a senior at Kingston High School. Her platform was “Mentoring and Making a Difference.”