For Jacque Guyette, the crown fit.
The reigning Miss Auburn welcomed the opportunity to work in the community she enjoys, being able to touch so many lives.
“It’s been remarkable,” Guyette said of her year-long role. “It’s been absolutely amazing to be able to represent my hometown, a place I’ve loved living in for years. I loved being a part of all the Auburn events and being a part of a tight-knit community.”
Guyette, an Auburn Riverside High School and University of Washington graduate, officially passes on her title Saturday night when a new Miss Auburn is crowned at Green River Community College.
The Miss Auburn and Miss Auburn Outstanding Teen Scholarship Program unfolds at a different venue – the college’s Lindbloom Center, 12401 SE 320th St. – an interim stage until the Auburn Performing Arts Center, the pageant’s longtime home, is fully renovated.
The community-based scholarship competition begins at 7 p.m. Friday and resumes at 6 p.m. Saturday, with the coronation later in the evening.
The Miss Auburn field numbers 14 contestants. The teen field has four contestants.Vivian Dao is the reigning Miss Auburn’s Outstanding Teen.
The program – produced by the Miss Auburn Scholarship Program Inc. and sponsored by the Auburn Noon Lions Club – is one of the largest of its kind in the country and an official preliminary to the Miss Washington and Miss America Scholarship pageants.
Guyette outlasted 16 other contestants to capture the title last year, earning more than $7,600 in gifts, awards and scholarships after two nights of competition.
For Guyette, 23, representing Auburn has been a great responsibility and a wonderful experience, especially when it came to mentoring others. Like Haley Walker, her Little Sister from the pageant program.
Guyette not only made many appearances and fulfilled her obligations as Miss Auburn but also found time to finish her degree in physical therapy and public health at the UW. She plans to pursue her master’s degree in physical therapy.
On stage, Guyette continues to train and compete in dance. She works full-time as a ballroom dance instructor.
Dancing is Guyette’s passion. She began to dance when she was 3, and has since blossomed into a gifted, accomplished performer on the national level.
“It’s exciting. It’s not something I’ve given up yet,” Guyette said. “(I enjoy) the artistry of the movement, how you can convey any kind of emotion or passion. … You’re able to compete and explore, and everyone’s view on dancing is different. That’s real exciting.”
Guyette will welcome two new queens on one new stage this weekend. She offers some advice to those competing.
“Don’t let the nerves get to you. Don’t be afraid to show the judges why you are here, why you deserve the job,” she said.
The job has been rewarding for Guyette.
“It gave me the opportunity that will take me further in life,” she said. “I know I have learned a lot through this program and a lot through who I am … in growing this past year as Miss Auburn. This will open a lot of doors for me in the future.”
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Admission is $40 for a two-night ticket (online only), $25 at the door each night. To order, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1108988
For more program information, visit http://www.missauburn.org/
