TACOMA — Not since 1959 has a Miss Kitsap taken home the Miss Washington title. At least that was the case until last Friday when Silverdale native and former Miss Poulsbo Kristen Eddings was crowned Miss Washington as the tears of joy streamed down her face at the Champions Centre in Tacoma.

With a look of complete surprise, the 2002 Klahowya Secondary School grad threw her hands in the air. As Miss Washington 2005 Tina Marie Mares presented her with the crown, Eddings pointed up and smiled at her family and friends as they excitedly yelled out her name.

“I just remember thinking, ‘Praise God, I can’t believe this is happening,’” Eddings said shortly after the ceremony.

Just prior to realizing that her dream would soon become reality, Eddings stood in line with the four other finalists. Each one holding hands with the next.

Feelings of suspense and anticipation among those in the center were obvious as the final two — Eddings and Miss Pierce County Elyse Umemoto — stood together waiting for master of ceremonies Rick Gilbert to reveal their destiny. The response from the audience was deafening as Eddings won the crown.

“This is truly an extraordinary surprise and blessing and something I’ve worked (toward) for four years,” Eddings exclaimed after the ceremony. “This is such a blessing. I cannot think of a better state or group to be a part of.”

Eddings’ mother Anita recalled her own thoughts of elation, pride and honor at the moment her daughter was crowned.

“It was kind of a surreal feeling,” Anita said. “I felt like I wasn’t even standing.”

Eddings — a 2006 Seattle Pacific University grad who majored in political science: international affairs — was surrounded by many of her college friends following the ceremony.

She was surprised at the last minute by the attendance of her older brother Ben. A wildland firefighter, he was in Idaho and took a redeye flight home to ensure he would be there for his sister.

“(He’s) what gave me that extra drive,” she said.

Eddings gave thanks to her local community saying, “I’m probably the most supported local title holder apart from (Miss Poulsbo) Brenna (Gardner-Brown).”

During Thursday evening’s preliminaries and the finals the next evening, Eddings’ confidence in herself and in her performances was evident.

This year marked her second Miss Washington Pageant. She won Miss Poulsbo in 2002 and placed in the Top 10 at the state competition. She also received the People’s Choice award that year. And this time around, Eddings was prepared for anything that would come her way. One of her on-stage questions Thursday evening was, “They say people work well under pressure, do you work well under pressure?”

Without a second’s delay, Eddings answered, “Absolutely, look at me now.”

She went on to explain how pressure has helped her to accomplish many feats in her life, including college.

She added, “Miss Washington has never won Miss America and I’m about to change that.”

Eddings impressed the judges with her soulful rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “For Once in My Life,” taking home the preliminary Talent award Thursday evening — and it’s $1,000 scholarship award.

“I am thrilled beyond belief,” said Michele Nilsen-Wasson, executive director of the Miss Kitsap Scholarship Program on Thursday evening soon after Eddings’ Talent award win was announced. “She’s worked so hard and genuinely loves performing.”

As Miss Washington, Eddings receives the top cash scholarship of $10,000 as well as numerous awards.

A banquet and awards ball immediately followed Friday evening’s event where the recipients of additional awards were announced. Eddings won the Overall Best Interview award — another $1,000 scholarship award.

Eddings will compete in the Miss America competition in January 2007.