On August 9 to 11,  I competed in the National American Miss Pageant, getting in the Top 15 and winning first runner-up Miss Personality.

Those were great achievements. I had a great time, made many new friends, and I reached my goal; gaining more confidence. None of that could have been possible without all the support everyone has given me.

I would like to thank the Si View Community Center for donating a space at the North Bend Farmer’s Market so I could raise my sponsorship money. Big thanks go to everybody in the Snoqualmie Valley who donated to get me to the pageant. You all were so supportive and generous. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.

Thank you so much to Rick Hartman, School of Toy, for generously sponsoring me! Also, thank you to Cristie Coffing, my wonderful dance instructor, who gave up her time to help me choreograph my dance for the talent competition of the pageant. Snoqualmie Valley, I am proud to represent you!

Amanda Csendes

North Bend