PORT ORCHARD — The Fathoms O’ Fun Royalty Court pageant is inching closer to its March 9 date, but there’s still time for prospective candidates to apply to become part of this coming year’s group of community representatives.
Helene Jensen, the Fathoms Royalty Court director, said she’s looking for eligible young women or men who attend sixth to 12th grade who would like to participate in this life-changing opportunity.
For candidates, the program is all about stepping outside their comfort zone and striving to gain new skills.
“Contestants who participate in the program grow in ways you can’t imagine,” the longtime director said of the community ambassadorship program.
“They are taught how to speak in public with confidence, how to sit, walk, shake hands and communicate with community leaders and people from all parts of life.”
Jensen said the most revealing predictor of whether a candidate will be successful as a royal member is if she or he is community oriented — someone “who doesn’t just want to get a crown on their head, but somebody who truly wants to see self-improvement in themselves.”
In an interview last year, Jensen said members of the Royalty Court contribute much to the community during their reign, but they personally gain much more in return. Being on the Fathoms O’ Fun court isn’t just standing on a float and waving to crowds on a parade route.
“I want them to be able to talk to adults confidently and learn how to do a handshake so that their first impression is a good one. So, this is as much about personal growth as anything,” she said.
More than $6,000 in scholarships are awarded each year. Everyone who applies and gets accepted will be eligible to win scholarship money, Jensen added.
To participate, each contestant must write a 500-word essay on a topic they are passionate about, answer impromptu questions at the pageant, perform a one-minute-and-a-half talent presentation and model in evening attire. They are judged by a group of people from various service groups in the South Kitsap community, Jensen said.
The pageant will take place at 4 p.m., March 9, at the Port Orchard Christian Life Center. Jensen said the pageant this coming year will have a “lost city of Atlantis feel” with the theme “Discovering Your Treasures Under the Sea!”
Those who are interested in learning more about the Royalty Court, contact Jensen at 360-340-5064 or hejensen1962@gmail.com.
On Saturday, Nov. 24, the Port Orchard Eagles will host a fundraiser for the Fathoms O’ Fun scholarship program and the Eagles. The annual “Breakfast with Santa” will take place from 8 to noon at the club, 4001 Jackson Ave. Tickets are available at the door: $10 for adults and $5 for children 5 to 12. Children 4 and under are free.
For more information, visit www.fathomsofun.org.
