The message came as a surprise and an opportunity for Hayley McJunkin.

Lindsay Tosch had resigned as Miss Auburn to exclusively devote time to her scholarship-based studies at college.

McJunkin, the first runner-up, suddenly inherited the throne.

“When I got the e-mail I was excited,” said McJunkin, 19, who officially assumed the crown at an April 5 coronation at City Hall. “It was kind of a shock.

“I then started to cry,” McJunkin added. “I didn’t think it would happen, but it was really exciting news.”

The chance to wear the crown and represent Auburn opened doors for the bubbly McJunkin, a sophomore communications major at the University of Washington who aspires to become a news broadcaster or reporter.

The energetic and upbeat McJunkin also performs on the Husky Dance Team. She performed for the Allegro Dance Academy for several years, which stirred her interest in the Miss Auburn program.

Born and raised in Burien, McJunkin is the daughter of Andy and Diane Ryan and Larry and Hamilton McJunkin.

McJunkin has enjoyed a rewarding ride as Miss Auburn, including the right to compete for Miss Washington.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” she said. “It gave me the chance to meet great people, attend many events and become a great role model.”

Her duty fulfilled, McJunkin now will pass the honor to the winner of the Miss Auburn Scholarship Pageant on Saturday night.

“It will be bittersweet to give it up,” McJunkin said.

A field of 24 contestants will compete for the tiara and thousands of dollars in gifts, awards and scholarships.

The curtains will open at 7 o’clock tonight and Saturday at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, located at 700 E. Main St.

The program – themed “The Beat Goes On, A Salute to the ’60s” – will feature talent competition on Friday evening only, with the finals Saturday.

The Auburn Noon Lions Club sponsors the pageant, an official preliminary to the Miss Washington and Miss America scholarship pageants.

The local program again will support the Auburn Food Bank. Those who donate $1 can vote for their favorite contestant on both nights. Votes will go toward a scholarship award for the winning contestant, with all proceeds from the voting benefitting the food bank.

The pageant is regarded as one of the largest and most successful local programs of its kind in the country.

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Show time

• What: Miss Auburn Scholarship Pageant. Today, Saturday, 7 p.m. (Talent competition Friday only; finals Saturday). Theme: “The Beat Goes On, A Salute to the ’60s”

• Where: Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St.

• Who: 24 contestants compete for the crown

• Tickets: $35 main floor reserved both nights; ($20 single tickets at door); $20 balcony festival seating both nights; ($15 single tickets at door)

• Information: www.missauburn.org