Tonight will mark a crowning achievement in the lives of two young ladies as they begin their year-long reigns as Miss Poulsbo and Miss Kitsap.

With five contestants vying for the honor of representing Little Norway and another eight seeking the county-wide crown, the judges will undoubtedly have some tough decisions to make.

All 13 contestants represent the best in a generation of young women who are just embarking on the next great journey of lives that will leave an indelible impression on not only Poulsbo and Kitsap County, but the world as a whole.

They also display the ever growing diversity of a population that has reached beyond its Nordic and European roots to include all races, languages and cultures.

Their platforms show a deep commitment to the community at large and a selfless desire to help others and not just wear a crown. Teen suicide prevention and cancer awareness rank high among the 13 potential benefactors of the next Miss Poulsbo or Miss Kitsap. However, some young ladies have taken a wider global approach and are advocates for international education. One contestant has offered women in leadership as her year-long campaign.

Former Poulsbo Mayor Donna Jean Bruce served as Miss Poulsbo before stepping boldly into the realm of public service for more than a decade on the local level.

All three county commissioners are women and three of the county’s four mayors are women as well. Gone are the days of male-dominated politics and positions of power and some day, a woman will undoubtedly ascend to the highest level of political power and become President of the United States.

Even though only two young ladies will take the torch from Miss Kitsap 2005 Diosa Warner and Miss Poulsbo 2005 Janna Murray, the lessons they’ve learned in competing for these crowns will serve them well in the future.

Warner and Murray have set high standards for their predecessors to follow and should be congratulated on jobs well done as they move in to the next phase of their lives. At night’s end, they will be former Misses, but their legacies will live on in the lives of their Little Sisters and others they have reached with their smiles and generosity.

Two more Little Sisters will spend the next year following alongside the newly crowned Misses, closely watching and learning from everything they do. Through these mentoring relationships will come not only future pageant contestants but strong leaders capable and willing to seize the day and make a difference.

Congratulations to all 13 deserving young ladies taking the stage at the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center tonight at 6 p.m.

When Jeana Osthellter Halversen says, “And the winner is…” all 13 contestants, their Little Sisters and the community at large will be the winners. Because in life, it’s not always about the destination, it’s about the journey.

Good luck and our best to all.