(Pictured above, from left: Anna Countryman, Karsyn Brinkley and Alicia Cooper)
Vancouver School of Arts and Academics sophomore Anna Countryman in late February was declared Miss Clark County’s 2016 Outstanding Teen. With tap dancing as her talent and the importance of arts in education as her platform, Countryman won more than $2,600 in scholarships and prizes. Her goal is to obtain a youth ministry degree and become a youth pastor.
Karsyn Brinkley, a student at Alki Middle School, was named the first runner-up in the teen competition. Tap also was her talent; her platform was awareness, support and a cure for thyroid disease. Brinkley, who received the Fourpoints Award totaling $400, would like to obtain a pre-physical therapy degree and become a sports physical therapist.
In addition, 2012 Skyview High School graduate Alicia Cooper was award the title of 2016 Miss Clark County for the second time. The Washington State University Vancouver junior’s talent was tap. Her platform—Live on Purpose: Defining Your Legacy. She is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in social science, specializing in personnel psychology and human resources. Cooper received more than $5,700 in scholarships and prizes.
The contestants participated in 11 workshops prior to the competition that provided training in the areas of health, nutrition, self-confidence, interviews, resumes, platform statement writing and other skills for college and career success. The awards were given by the Miss Clark County Scholarship Organization.
Next, Countryman and Cooper will have opportunities to compete in the Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen and Miss Washington programs.