Maddie McCarthy excels in role of Miss Auburn; made state semis

Published 4:02 pm Friday, July 31, 2026

This was Maddie McCarthy’s first year running for Miss Auburn. She won the title in February and qualified as one of the top 11 semifinalists in the statewide Miss Washington pageant at Capital High School Performing Arts Center in Olympia.

Natalie Worthy, of Battle Ground, was crowned Miss Washington for 2026 at the July 11 event.

McCarthy is the first person in the Miss Auburn Scholarship Organization history to complete all four programs that the organization offers.

She began as a young elementary school girl in the Emerald Program, followed by the Ambassador Program, won Miss Auburn’s Teen in 2024 and finally was crowned Miss Auburn in 2026.

“As the first person to complete every level of the program, I’ve seen that its greatest impact isn’t the crown,” McCarthy said in a July 28 email interview. “It’s the legacy of women who encourage, mentor, and empower those who come after them. I’m grateful to be part of that legacy and help carry it forward.”

Both the Miss Auburn and Miss Washington organizations are a part of the Miss America platform, an over 100 year-old brand that aims to empower women. The Miss Auburn program was created more than 64 years ago.

“We foster academic excellence, uphold personal integrity and encourage every woman to create meaningful, lasting impact within her community,” according to Miss America’s mission statement.

The Miss Auburn Scholarship Organization explains that it “is more than a pageant, it’s a transformative platform that empowers young women to grow, lead, and serve,” according to its website.

Last year, the organization awarded more than $25,000 in scholarships to participants who exemplified this message.

“These are changemakers for our communities and that’s why it’s been easy to find support and support within the Auburn community,” said Tamie Bothell, president and executive director of the Miss Auburn Scholarship Program.

McCarthy, is someone who clearly embodies the mission of the Miss Auburn and Miss Washington organizations, Bothell said.

McCarthy’s community service initiative is titled “Harmony in Action: Empowering Lives Through Music,” and her talent when she performs in pageants is opera singing.

“On or off any stage, she is authentically herself and has grown and developed into an amazing and accomplished young woman who I know is going to go out in the world and make it a better place, filled with lots of music education for all,” Bothell said.

McCarthy, 19, was one of the youngest women to compete in Miss Washington this year and also received a scholarship for the Rookie of the Year award, Bothell said. This award is given to the first-year competitor with the highest total score.

McCarthy reflected on her reaction to being named a semifinalist at the statewide Miss Washington pageant this year as well as receiving the Rookie of the Year award.

“Honestly, there was an initial shock that quickly turned into overwhelming gratitude, and maybe a few tears,” she said. “Hearing my name was a reminder that all of the hard work, long hours and dedication had paid off.”

There were 24 women in Miss Washington’s class of 2026 representing several different local chapters across the state.

McCarthy, a 2025 graduate of Auburn Riverside High School, commented on what it meant to represent her community.

“More than anything, I felt thankful to be recognized among such an inspiring group of women and proud to know that the work I put in allowed me to represent Auburn on the Miss Washington stage,” she said. “From the opportunities I’ve been given to the people who have supported and believed in me every step of the way, Auburn has played such an important role in who I am today. Every time I wear the crown and sash, I hope to make my community proud by representing it with kindness, integrity and service.”

One of McCarthy’s main takeaways from her experience with the Miss Auburn Scholarship Organization is to continue to encourage young women to join the program.

“My journey through this organization has shown me that it is about so much more than a title,” said McCarthy. “It’s about building confidence, creating lifelong friendships, serving your community, and discovering your own potential.”

“I hope other young women see this program as an opportunity to grow and find their voice,” she said.