OIT alumna Stephanie Steers is crowned Miss Oregon, and OIT junior Kaitlin Endres named third runner-up in the 2010 Miss Oregon Pageant in Seaside on July 11, 2010.
"I've been waiting six years to hear that and I can't even tell you how much it means," said Steers, a Hillsboro native, a smile on her face. "It's the biggest opportunity I've ever been given to do: to be a leader to young women and I can't wait to do that. I hope I can touch one and touch many lives."
For her talent offering, Steers sang country-western singer Melissa Lawson's, "What if it All Goes Right?" in sequined green evening gown.
Steers' platform for the pageant is gaining awareness and stopping human trafficking, and she aims to raise even more awareness and educate young women on the issue during her tenure as Miss Oregon.
"It is so significant to women today," Steers said. "It is important that we educate our children about the dangers. It's our modern-day slavery."
Steers earned $10,000 for winning, and will compete in the 2010 Miss America Pageant. There were also 11 scholarships given out. Steers was one of five winners to tie for the Ruth Christensen Memorial Overall Interview Award, and she won the $2,500 Spirit of Katie Harman Award.
