On Life: Getting to Know Miss Washington

By Angela Smith-Dice
February 4, 2007

Covering the Miss America pageant began as a routine community news assignment for this reporter. It resulted in a change of heart about the event and the women who take part in it.

A lot of people love to hate Miss America.

Just take a look at the columns and blogs on the subject.

You’ll read them mocking contestants, alleging contrived speeches and tears, and questioning the integrity of wanting world peace while looking good in skimpy swim suits. You’ll read the accusations of exploitation. You’ll read that pageant premier ratings continue to drop.

But that’s not the whole story.

I first met Kristen Eddings in late July before the Miss Washington pageant.

I had gone, head filled with the notions of skeptics, with a tinge of feminist indignation, and — I’ll admit it — a little jealous of women who all looked a hundred times better in a bikini than I ever had or will.

I determined to be nice, professional, write a story and leave.

But then I talked to Kristen Eddings.

And over the course of a few months, I got to know her a little better, got to know more about the score of people cheering her on every step of the way, and learn about the organization that has crowned 87 women "Miss America."

More at the Source

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