Prosser's Bousquet crowned Miss Tri-Cities

KENNEWICK — Adrienne Bousquet of Prosser managed to steal a little love at the Miss Tri-Cities Pageant.

The judges must have taken Bousquet's rendition of Frank Sinatra's Can I Steal A Little Love to heart on Saturday, because they chose her to wear the crown as Miss Tri-Cities 2010.

Bousquet, 19, was one of 10 contestants competing for the honor of becoming Miss Tri-Cities in the pageant that lasted about four hours.

She was crowned Miss Tri-Cities in the presence of 24 of the past Miss Tri-Cities during the pageant's golden anniversary performance.

Some of the past Miss Tri-Cities treated the audience to performances, and they all took to the stage once more.

Four former Miss Tri-Cities had the audience clapping to the beat by the Dancing Queen end to a medley of tunes from the musical Mamma Mia -- Charlotte Smith-Shores, 2006; Kyna Harris, 2008; Angela Felsted Larsen, 1999; and Angela Kirkman Johnson, 1996.

Wendy White Rebstock, second runner-up in 1987 and 1989, said her original plan was to win, but she ended up learning leadership and interviewing skills and gaining self-confidence instead.

Now she volunteers for the pageant in hopes of being a mentor similar to the ones she benefited from, she said.

"It's not about the one who gets the crown," agreed Kim Keltch, second runner-up in 1980.

Four generations of Keltch's family have been involved in various levels of the pageant, including her grandmother, mother and daughter. She said she was wearing the same gown she did 30 years ago at the pageant, which her mom had made.

Terry Morgan, who was a contestant 37 years ago said the pageant changed her life. She felt more confident and pursued a career in modeling.

"I was second runner-up and I had to buy my own crown," she said.

Morgan's mom, Anita Nelson, died in spring of 2004 from breast cancer. Morgan said her family decided to honor her memory with a scholarship to the contestant that shows poise, leadership and confidence.

Nelson volunteered with the pageant, and used to save waitressing tips to take her children to watch it.

The $500 scholarship was given to Deidra Stands, 23, of Kennewick. As first runner-up, Stands also received a $5,000 scholarship.

And Kaelin Price, 21, of Richland, received second runner-up and a $2,500 scholarship.

As Miss Tri-Cities, Bousquet will spend the next year advocating for Girls on the Run. She told the judges that goal-setting can be taught to young girls using things in their everyday lives, such as homework, grades and chores.

Miss Tri-Cities is an official preliminary to the Miss Washington and Miss America pageants. The event is sponsored by the Tri-City Water Follies Association.

The contestants are judged on a private interview, an on-stage question, talent, physical fitness in a bathing suit and formal wear.

And on Friday, the Miss Tri-Cities Outstanding Teen crown was passed on to Nicole Renard, 15, of Kennewick.

Renard, who is the daughter of Pam and Vic Renard, will represent the Tri-Cities at the 2011 Miss Washington Outstanding Teen Pageant. She also received a $1,500 scholarship.

Named first runner-up was Janae Calaway, 15, of Pasco. She is the daughter of Courtney and Beverly Calaway. Calaway received a $500 scholarship and the $100 Academic Award.

This story was originally published July 18, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Prosser's Bousquet crowned Miss Tri-Cities."