Gefre crowned Miss Ritzville

RITZVILLE – More than 200 family members, friends and residents cheered and applauded Sunday, March 10, as judges awarded this year's Miss Ritzville title to high school junior Temple Gefre.

The remaining young women - Brooklyn Norton, Madisyn Cameron, Addy Colbert and Claire Wellsandt - were honored as princesses.

The Miss Ritzville pageant took place in the Ritzville Grade School gymnasium.

This year's theme, "Born to Rock," will feature prominently on the community float in parades throughout the summer. All five participants are expected to ride atop the float and participate in community events.

After brief introductions, Norton, Cameron, Colbert, Gefre and Wellsandt answered impromptu questions in the self-expression portion of the program.

Madison Bartlett, 2023 Miss Lind-Ritzville, then shared a farewell speech thanking her supporters and sharing her experience of personal growth from her participation in the program.

Next came the talent segment of the pageant.

Norton shared a jazz dance to "Feeling Good" by Michael Buble and Cameron danced to "Earth to God."

Colbert performed a skit adaptation of "Backward Jill" by Shel Siverstein, and Gefre shared an original poem titled "Whiskers of Love, Tails of Joy."

Wellsandt, the final performer, was dressed in a brightly-colored costume and recited "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Doctor Seuss.

As the contestants prepared for the final portion of the program, Katherine Johnston, a young violinist, performed two short pieces for the crowd's enjoyment.

The five participants then gave short speeches sharing their motivations for seeking the Miss Ritzville title. The talks centered on the benefits of small town life and the support of classmates, teachers, parents, and friends. Every presentation was articulate and sincere, giving audience members and judges another glimpse into the talents of these candidates.

As the judges deliberated, Master of Ceremonies Maya Wahl Aune, who served as Distinguished Young Woman of Lind in 2013, presented a bouquet of flowers to Sara Dirks, program director for the past 10 years.

When the judges returned, Gefre garnered the Spirit Award and was crowned Miss Ritzville. The other four participants were honored as princesses.

All five young women will receive scholarships donated by past program participants and community members.