Eddings crowned Miss Kitsap

Kristen Eddings won the People’s Choice Talent Award for her soulful rendition of Judy Garland’s “Get Happy” in the prelude to an even bigger honor.

The former Miss Poulsbo brought home the Miss Kitsap 2006 crown to a standing ovation at the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center Saturday night.

“It’s been my goal for four years to be Miss Kitsap and this has always been a dream of mine,” Eddings said as her Little Sister Mandalyn Van Swearigen stood smiling by her side. “It’s even better because it’s in Kitsap County.”

After spending two months working in an orphanage in the West African country of Sierra Leone this past summer, Eddings, the daughter of Gary and Anita Eddings of Silverdale, said she now thinks more about water resources than she had in the past.

“I also think about food and the amount of hope people have in others,” she told the judges during the on-stage interview. “It was really an incredible experience.”

As a result of that experience and her time spent helping a classroom of fourth-graders correspond with students in India, Eddings has made international education her platform for the next year.

In addition to winning the People’s Choice award, Eddings also won the Ruby Waatland Community Service and Leadership awards, the Living the Platform Community Service award, the Interview award and the Talent award.

Eddings will compete in her second Miss Washington pageant later this year, where she was in the Top 10 and was the People’s Choice Winner in 2002.

First runner-up Sheila Spiker, daughter of Teenie Spiker of Port Orchard, told the judges about her volunteer work as a foster parent for rabbits including her latest one, Ralph.

“Ralph growls, scratches and really bites people,” Spiker said. “I’m trying to build up trust with him and he’s really come a long way.”

Spiker performed a classical harp solo, “The Little Fountain,” during the talent competition and won the Scholastic Achievement Award.

The second runner-up was Krystle Spoon, daughter of William and Tanya Spoon of Bremerton.

Other award winners were:

• Miss Congeniality: Haylee Ellis, daughter of Craig and Wendy Ellis of Bremerton.

• Golden Crown: Paige Emery, daugh-ter of Merle and Jane Emery of Silverdale.

• Most Improved: Kasia Alexander, daughter of Mark and Jenifer Alexander of Bremerton.

• $1,000 Olympic College Scholarships: Ellis and Emery.

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