By Mary Owen
A Scio teen was crowned Miss Oregon Teen USA last month in her second try for the title.
Kayla Roush place first runner-up in the contest a year ago, the first in several pageants she entered to earn scholarships – and challenge herself to step out of her comfort zone.
“I’ve invested many hours training for interviews, physically, mentally, spiritually, and working with speech and poise coaches,” said the Regis High School junior. “My parents have been very supportive.
“And I can’t say enough for Madeline Gear of Regis,” Roush added. “She helped me gather contacts and raise money for my trip to Branson, Miss. to compete at the national Miss High School America Pageant.
I owe a lot of my fundraising success to her.”
Roush, 17, has a growing list of pageant titles, including Miss Oregon High School America which she earned last December.
“It was such a great experience,” she said of her trip to the pageant finals and placing in the top 15.
Roush was also named Miss Oregon Appaloosa last August, earned in part by her knowledge of Appaloosa history and her riding ability. She gave up that title to fulfill all her duties as Miss Oregon Teen.
Roush has earned $85,600 – $45,600 in the latest pageant – toward her college choice: Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Miss. She has also earned $20,000 in scholarship to Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Ore. and $5,000 to the New York Film School in New York or Los Angeles. Her plan is to earn a degree in psychology and go on to become a medical doctor.
Sponsors helping her included: daVinci Smiles, Portland; NY Film School; Western States Chiropractic College; Terra del sol Spa, Portland; Advance Dental; Long Bottom Coffee Co.; It Cosmetics; Cookie Lee Jewelry; O’Pearl Art Jewelry Design; Lisa Ernst, hair stylist; Nancy Patton, The Blond Basket Case; A Formal Affair; River House Hotel & Convention Center, Bend, Ore.; Lindenwood University; Cynthia’s Floral and Gifts; MICHE Bags, Marlene Humphery; and Charlie James Signs, Sweet Home, Ore.
“The community has been so amazing,” Roush said. “So many businesses have stepped to the plate to help me on my journey. Buck and Linda Wooten of Karsten Homes have sponsored me every time. They are a blessing!”
As Miss Oregon Teen USA, Roush will make appearances at schools, parades, women’s conventions and community events throughout the state.
“I am now a part of Operation Home Front and will be doing work with the Sparrow Club,” Roush added.
Having the courage to retry for Miss Oregon Teen USA has spurred her to think about trying for Miss Oregon USA when she turns 21, she said. “I would like to let others girls know that pageants are a great way to earn money and/or scholarships for college,” Roush said. “They are also a wonderful opportunity for personal growth.”
Roush said she would never have thought she could speak on stage to a large crowd or handle a series of completive interviews with a panel of judges. The Miss Oregon Teen USA pageant consisted of five interviews and swimsuit/evening gown competitions.
“I give credit to the pageant world for helping me to become more confident, assertive and poised,” said Roush, who was crowned by her predecessor, Cara Nardini, at the conclusion of the two-day pageant held in Bend, Ore.
But the biggest reward for Roush is “the relationships you develop and all the new life-long friends.”
“I’m so blessed and honored to be crowned Miss Oregon Teen USA,” she added. “I’m looking forward to the year ahead and all the amazing experiences that await me. I’m excited to represent my beautiful state of Oregon at the national Miss Teen USA pageant in July 2011.”
To request a presentation by Roush, call coordinator Nancy Patton at 1-541-409-4267 or e-mail pattonprod2@aol.com.
