Miss Clark County, Miss Clark County’s Outstanding Teen crowned

Katie Parsons, a 22-year-old University of Hawaii senior, was named Miss Clark County 2011 Saturday night in a program at Fort Vancouver High School. Alicia Cooper, a 16-year-old Skyview High School junior, was named Miss Clark County’s Outstanding Teen 2011.

Parsons, whose platform was empowerment through education and service, won a $2,000 scholarship and a chance to compete in the Miss Washington program, according to Neal Donowitz, president of the Miss Clark County Scholarship Program.

Cooper, whose platform was breast cancer awareness, won a $500 scholarship.

The program has previously crowned a Miss Greater Vancouver and Miss Greater Vancouver’s Outstanding Teen, Donowitz said, but the program cut back this year because of a reduced number of contestants and reduced scholarship funds.

The other contestants for Miss Clark County 2011 were:

o Cassie Tomseth, 20, a Clark College sophomore. Platform: Hunger awareness and reduction.

o Jenna Nelmark, 18, a Washington State University Vancouver freshman. Platform: Smoking: Stop it before it stops you.

o Samantha Noakes, 19, Washington State University Vancouver sophomore and International Air & Hospitality Academy freshman. Platform: Empowering the lives of youth with special needs.

o Sarah Wilson, 22, a California Baptist University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre. Platform: Pure choice is your choice.

The other contestants for Miss Clark County Outstanding Teen 2011 were:

o Anna Buchholz, 16, a Mountain View High School junior. Platform: Helping the homeless: Families in need.

o Ashley Fleck, 16, a La Center High School junior. Platform: Preventing animal abuse through education and volunteering.

o Jenny Reynolds, 15, a La Center High School sophomore. Platform: Youth mentoring through community programs.

Miss Clark County is a preliminary to the Miss Washington and Miss America Programs. Jacquie Brown, Miss Greater Vancouver 2010, was crowned Miss Washington 2010 and will represent the state at the 2011 Miss America Pageant.