My journey of being Miss Kitsap 2008 has been nothing short of amazing. I couldn’t have done it without the overwhelming love and support from the people of Kitsap County. I sincerely thank you for giving me the most memorable year that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Nothing will ever be able to come close to my experience as being your Miss Kitsap. Many times I have gotten the question, “what has been your favorite part of being Miss Kitsap?” and I can’t pin it down to a single part. I have loved every minute of it and feel so blessed to have been able to do it. My senior year in high school I began on my journey into the wonderful world of pageantry and it has made me the woman I am today. After my first time running for Miss Kitsap (also my first pageant ever), I moved to Eastern Washington and ran for Miss Spokane. Something didn’t feel quite right over there and I realized I wanted to carry the title of Miss Kitsap and represent the county I have grown up in and has given me so much. So, I came back home and put my mind toward winning the job of Miss Kitsap. My hard work paid off and my dream came true!
There are many people who helped me get to where I am today. I first need to thank my family. To mom, dad and my sister Theresa, thank you for being such a huge support system and cheer squad for me! I am so grateful for all you have done for me, it means more than you will ever know. Thank you to my friends who are as close as family to me. And thank you to Jason for always being there whenever I needed you. This year would not have been as fun and memorable if I didn’t have my partner in crime with me. Amy, thank you so much for everything. I am so happy to have been able to share this year with you. We’ve had some hilarious times and I can’t wait to see what is in store next. There were some definite times that I wouldn’t have been able to make it through without you and you were there in an instant without question. You are, without a doubt, the best sister titleholder a person could ask for. I am so proud to call you my friend and I look forward to many more years of friendship.
To Bruce and Lynda and the committee who volunteers their time that made this year and many others possible for so many young women, you are amazing! Amanda, Lori and Debbie thank you so much for all you have done. I would not have been as prepared for Miss Washington without you. A very big thank you to the Fablings; Maegan, Breonna and Brittany! You never cease to amaze me and I cannot wait see what comes next for you all! To the Poulsbo Rotary, thank you so much for all your support throughout my year. Coming to your meetings and events were always eventful and a favorite of mine. Dan Weedin, thank you for all your help in preparing me for Miss Washington. My experience wouldn’t have been complete without you.
Candice, thank you for helping me with my Miss Washington talent as well as being my friend. It was you who helped me earn an award in talent and I am so grateful for all that you have done for me! Thank you very much to my sponsors; Christman’s House of Coins and Fine Jewelry, Allstate Insurance, Jerry Zumdieck of Prudential Real Estate, Michelle Reynaga of Sunset Styling, Dr. Robinson and team from Tracyton Dental Center, Belmont Terrace, Dr. Wicks and Dr. Baldwin and the team from the Doctors Clinic. This year would not have happened without all your support. Thank you to Joan Hanten and Wendy Rohrbacher of Olympic College for your continued support throughout my year. I will never forget the fun times shared with the two of you!
Thank you so very much to Marion and Loretta Sluys for helping make my dream come true. Because of the two of you, my long-awaited dream of traveling to Africa to work in a medical clinic is happening and I couldn’t be more ecstatic! You both are true heroes and I will never forget you!
One of my most favorite parts of being Miss Kitsap was being able to share the year with my little sister, Kiana Cheney. This past year would not have been complete without her. I have learned so much from her and am so proud of all she has accomplished this past year. I consider her part of my family and she will forever be my sister. To my other little sisters, Holly and Anna, there is never a dull moment with the two of you! You both are always there with something funny to say or do that is bound to put a smile on my face. I look forward to many more rides on the fun bus with the two of you! Aaron, you are the brother I never had. You never cease to amaze me and I cannot wait to see what comes next for you in life. Thank you for sharing the “interjection” limelight with me!
While many people have played large roles in this past year, none of them have had as big of an impact as Michele. Shelly, thank you so much for all you’ve done for me. You’ve always believed in me ever since my first steps into an interview room to the stage. There is never a task too big for you and I am amazed at the projects you accomplish that seem impossible. I would certainly not be even close to the person I am today without all you have done. I am so grateful for all the hard work you have done to send me to Miss Washington prepared and ready to take on the challenge knowing you were there rooting me on the whole way.
While it is sad to pass down the job I have fallen in love with, I know the next young woman — whoever she may be — will love it just as much as I do. I am excited to see where my path leads to next, but I will never forget my year as Miss Kitsap and will always look back at it with a smile and fond memories.
Samantha Przybylek will pass the crown on to the next Miss Kitsap at next weekend’s Miss Poulsbo/Miss Kitsap pageant at Bremerton High School.
