Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Carrie Sanchez was crowned Miss Tekoa Queen.
Marissa Alonso was crowned as princess.
TEKOA - The Miss Tekoa Pageant was held Sunday, April 16, and presented the new Queen and Princess. Two contestants competed for Miss Tekoa 2023.
Marissa Alonso earned her crown as princess, and the new reigning queen, Carrie Sanchez, took center stage in a heartfelt moment when the previous reigning princesses and queens crowned her.
Melinda Wilkins has been a committee member overseeing the Miss Tekoa Scholarship Program for 25 years.
"They did a wonderful job at the program, and we look forward to next season," Wilkins said. "Both of the girls are fantastic, and we look forward to working with them."
The event's theme was "Friends" and featured trivia from the hit show. John Heaton dazzled and entertained the audience with his fast-thinking fillers as host to fill in empty time between events.
The pageant was split into three main competitive categories; Talent, Poise and Composure, and Impromptu Questions.
Alonso prepared a hip-hop dance, and Sanchez presented the judges with a heritage-celebrating Folklorico dance.
Current Queen Eliona McElderry, Princess Savannah Rinehart, Princess Joan Barnowski, and Princess Khloe Morrison bid their final farewells as the 2022-2023 royalty.
The new queen and princess began their reign over Tekoa following the ceremony, planning future events and coordinating outfits to pair with them.
"They will take that next summer to promote their duty. They will do some community service work and speaking engagements," added Wilkins.
The previous royalty court will also receive a scholarship that will apply to any college or trade school the girls choose to attend.
"It's usually about $200 for the queen and $100 for the princesses. We do our big fundraiser in Butte, Montana, every year, and it varies on our budget for the year," she said.
Sanchez and Alonso will be eligible for the scholarship after their year-long reign.
"They are very well-spoken and just have a lot of positive messages on appreciating their community. I think they will really enjoy the experience and getting out and getting involved."
Queen Carrie Sanchez and Princess Marissa Alonso will debut at Spokane's Lilac Parade on Saturday, May 20.
The girls will do a float preview throughout town on Friday, May 19.
"I would like to thank people for supporting the float and supporting the royalty," added Wilkins.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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