Miss Washington Overview

I can't believe it has taken me this long to sit down to a computer and update you all on my "Miss Washington Experience".

Below are photos beginning at arrival (the photo includes Miss WA 2006 Kristen Eddings and the top 3 contestants for this year. Miss WA 2007 Elyse Umemoto, 1st runner up and sweetheart representative Tina Faulkner and myself 2nd runner up)

That’s right! I walked away this year with the Swimsuit award, People’s Choice, and the title of 2nd runner up!

God is so good. He knew exactly the way it was supossed to be. Tina Faulkner deserved to have the chance to go to Sweeper and is my dear friend. She was Miss Whatcom County 2004 and crowned me Miss Whatcom County 2005.

Our new Miss WA 2006 Elyse Umemoto will do our state proud. She gives credit where it is due, is flexible and gracious, and is absolutely beautiful. I know that God has great things in store for her this year.

The week was a whirlwind and I cannot believe it is over. I am now preparing for a week at camp and had a job interview for a 1st grade position at the local private school. Be praying, I need a teaching job.

You will see photos from the first and second night of competition, visitation after Friday night’s competition, and the gala after the final night.

The two opening numbers were “Dream Girls,” and “One Night Only” and you see me pictured below in both.

Here are 3 of the Top Ten - Myself, Kelly Backous and Shannon Touhy as we await the announcement of the Top Five. Shannon and I were both named to the top 5 so in these moments I was simply reminding myself, “I am in His hands, and His will will prevail.”

A huge difference this year from the last time I competed at state, or even for my local title was that I was not nervous. Literally I walked out onto stage calmly and ready for whatever might happen. I truly wanted to be Miss Washington this year but the Lord had something better. I walked away with no regrets and certainly no disappointment. I get to remain as Miss Poulsbo and pursue new endeavors.

Here are some clips from the swimsuit and interview portion of the first night of competition.

Pageantry has served it’s purpose in my life. I am a more finished and well-rounded person, I have so many connections, many new friendships and have made $15,000 in scholarships. I am left with only $1,000 left to pay off in student loans after 5 years of college!

Thank you to family and friends and committee members who showed up to support me, I have never felt more loved and supported.

Thank you to my sponsors EHL insurance, Signature Mortgage, Premetco (Jack Archer), and the anonymous Rotarian who shall remain anonymous. J

All your generosity, the way you gave of your time, energy and resources is remarkable.
I truly had the time of my life and thoroughly enjoyed the ride!

Thank you.
My love, and His Blessings,
Alex Duchemin

Talent Rehearsal on Thursday!

Let's meet our Dream Girls - My face was at least 3 times my actual height.

Opening Dance Number - Dream Girls

I did my onstage question first, then talent.

To view my onstage question visit - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gksKqRDHO-M

Intermission and then 2nd half opener - "One Night Only"

During the second half of Friday night I competed in evening gown and swimwear.

To view my swimwear competition from Friday night visit - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gksKqRDHO-M

Beta Swimwear Winner!

And the preliminary awards go to...

Left - Heather Liable - Alpha Swimwear Winner

Devanni Partridge - Alpha Talent Winner

Liz Lamb-Ferro (and not pictured Charlotte Smitth) - Beta Talent Winner

Alex Duchemin - Beta Swimwear Winner.

After Friday night they had a visitation and Ben brough Ipa to visit.

Swimwear trophy and flowers! YAHOO!

Molly my pageant little sister even stayed up late to see me.

Ben came out in his matching pageant attire.

Megan and I - Teammates and friends for life.

Saturday night of competition - Opening numbers

Top Ten was announced and we competed in swimwear, eveningwear, and talent.

Then after intermission brought back to hear...

The TOP FIVE announced.
I was chosen as top five which meant I then answered an onstage question.

Mine was about a great disappointment in my life... easy one compared to immigration reform, gas prices, and inappropriate internet pictues

Kristen sang "It is Well" and performed beautifully.

What a wonderful Miss Washington she was.

After all phases of competition were done awards were announced and I was selected as the "People's Choice" winner and received $1375 in cash.

Then the TOP FIVE came forward to be announced

4th runner up - Shannon Touhy - Miss Pierce County

3rd runner up - Charlotte Smith - Miss Tri-Cities

2nd runner up - Alex Duchemin - Miss Poulsbo

1st runner up - Tina Faulkner - Miss Columbia

and the new Miss Washington 2007 is

Miss Seattle - Elyse Umemoto

Then the gala event... being escorted by my father Michael Duchemin and my awards were announced by volunteer and board member Mike Miller

They played our song - Fresh Prince of Belair

The grandmas.

We're done.

What a finish!