An experience

everyone should

try, the teen says

La-Basha Alexander enjoyed her first beauty pageant so much that she wants others to share her experience.

“It’s something that I think everybody should go into, at least try once,” says the 18-year-old, now of Kent, but previously of Renton. Alexander graduated from Renton High School last June.

As Miss Renton USA 2008, Alexander recently competed for the title of Miss Washington USA, in a pageant at Highline High School earlier this month.

Even though she finished out of the top 10, Alexander had a great time.

“It was actually very fun and exciting,” she says.

The pageant included evening gown, swimsuit and interview. Her favorite part? Swimsuit.

“I never, ever wore a bikini before, so getting over that obstacle, I think that was my favorite part,” she says.

Alexander was named Miss Renton 2008 after applying online. She then had to raise nearly $1,000 to compete for Miss Washington USA. That money doesn’t include the cost for an evening gown and swimsuit. She also had three Saturdays of rehearsals.

Still, Alexander said the time and money was worth the experience.

“I definitely think it was worth it,” she says. “It’s something I’ll take with me through my whole life.”

Alexander plans to attend college next year. She wants to become a teacher, or maybe a principal at Renton High School. Meanwhile, Alexander is a mentor, a member of a Seattle community choir and founder of First Ladies, a group to teach young girls self-respect.

And she plans to return to Miss Washington USA next year.

“I’m just so happy I was in it … I want to go back into this pageant again next year,” Alexander says.

Emily Garland can be reached at emily.garland@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5052. Check us out on the web at www.rentonreporter.com