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2020 Miss Washington Teen USA Contestants

Alexis Black

Alexis Black

Tacoma

Alexis is a senior at Stadium High School and running start student. Her ambition is to work with the FBI as a forensic psychologist. She is devoted to volunteering, and today’s youth need to see teens in the community as a positive influence and pageantry gives Alexis a bigger audience for this. She is currently creating a nonprofit that focuses on the mental health for youth. She hopes to make a difference locally and globally.

Amanda Mata

Amanda Mata

Lynden
Ashley Berginc

Ashley Berginc

South Sound

Ashley, a 15-year-old sophomore at Lake Stevens High School, dreams of becoming an orthopedic surgeon after graduating from the University of Oregon with a scholarship in track and field. Next year, she will be enrolled in running start in order to earn her associates degree when she graduates. Ashley started an organization called “IMPACTeens: Empowering Today’s Teens Through Volunteering,” and will someday pass a bill for mandatory community service hours every month from ages 13-17.

Audrey Johnston

Audrey Johnston

Mount Vernon

Audrey Johnston, 18, is a recent transplant to Washington from Alaska. Audrey loves Washington and everything it has to offer including all the new opportunities, and the fact that there is no shortage of new places to explore. She graduated high school with a 3.8 GPA and dedicated herself to the business pathway offered by her high school. Audrey’s aspirations and goals are to establish herself as a standout in marketing, and communications.

Caylen Johnson

Caylen Johnson

West Pierce County

Caylen, 15, is a sophomore in high school. She is currently enrolled in 2 AP classes, advanced 11th grade math, and honors ELA, in preparation for running start next year. Caylen enjoys sports including swimming, bowling, tennis, and lacrosse, and is an active member of the National Honors Society, Drama Club, Video Production Club, and HOSA. She is a self-proclaimed nerd who loves acting, modeling, animals, computer gaming, and all things Marvel.

Danielle Gawronski

Danielle Gawronski

Clark County

Danielle, 17, is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Pageant Girlie, an online store where she showcases her designing talents while supporting her travel and pageant goals.   Recently she launched an ambassador program that helps other young women fund their dreams. Danielle loves to travel and experience new foods. She has a love of math and after winning a Trigonometry contest plans to study to become a land surveyor and architect.

Destiny Al-Jararheh

Destiny Al-Jararheh

Black Diamond

As a second generation American, Destiny knows the power behind words. Using her voice to create Growing Into the Light, an organization spreading awareness to children born drug dependent. A competitive speech and debater, planning to become an attorney, she’s also a running start student working toward her Master’s in Law. When not behind a microphone, she’s found front and center of her cheer squad as captain.

Fiona Schulze

Fiona Schulze

Greater King County

Fiona dedicates her time volunteering with her school cleaning up the community, the Saltwater State Park, Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, and CHI Franciscan Hospice. She believes in the humane treatment of animals by using ethical and sustainable products, and practicing methods to lessen our environmental footprint. Her ambition is to go to Columbia University to get her P.H.D. in psychology to become a neuropsychologist.

Grace Park

Grace Park

Camas

Grace is the Executive Director of Paint for Peace Portland, a program that provides opportunities for homeless and individuals to engage in painting and education on social justice issues. Grace’s biggest passions are art and fashion. Her ambition is to be a businesswoman in the fashion industry. In addition, she is the President of her DECA chapter, Executive Director of Promotions of TEDxCamas, and Founder and President of Camas Fashion Club.

Halle Blankenship

Halle Blankenship

Lake Sammamish

Halle is an 18 year old senior at Eastside Catholic High School. She was a varsity cheerleader and currently is a nationally recognized competitive dancer. She plans to attend college, majoring in communications. Halle is also passionate about service, dedicating 200+ hours of her time to various organizations. Spreading her message to #beuniquelyyou, she encourages young women to be confidently beautiful in their own skin.

Hannah Merritt

Hannah Merritt

Prosser

Sixteen-year-old Hannah Merritt attends Yakima Valley Community College and Sunnyside High School. Hannah devotes her time to Special Olympics, Cheer, Pep Club, Science Club, Honor Society, Travel Club Treasurer, and AVID tutoring. Her platform #Sass&Smarts, spreads awareness to young women, that they are capable and intelligent. Producing a biodegradable toothbrush, Hannah participates yearly in the Washington State Science Fair. Hannah strives to pursue a medical career and cheer at the University of Washington.

I’Lani Harvey

I’Lani Harvey

Greater Puyallup

I’Lani Harvey, 15, is a sophomore at Rogers High School who intends to use her experiences to help others combat low self-esteem. I’Lani’s interests are math, science and extra-curricular activities such as Student Government and sports. I’Lani comes from a military family, has lived in several states and countries. As a middle child, I’Lani has an older sister and younger brother. After-graduation plans are to attend college and study medicine.

Jaedyn Dhaenens

Jaedyn Dhaenens

Spokane

Jaedyn Dhaenens is a 14-year-old model and actress, experienced NY and LA fashion week runway model. This multi-talented beauty is also a two-time cover girl and winner of Best Overall Runway in Cosmopolitans top model competition in her age. Jaedyn also received the Most Professional Award at LA Reel camp and still maintains honor roll in school while dedicating time to church and community service. Follow Jaedyn’s journey on Instagram @Jaedyn.official

Kajol Sharma

Kajol Sharma

Lake Washington

An enthusiastic and hardworking college student, Kajol is working on her Bachalor’s in Business Management after completing Associates degree. She has spent around 500+ hours as a volunteer for KSK express food LLC, that provides help to the homeless. She also volunteers at a nonprofit organization that spreads awareness about ‘Juuling’ and other drugs that are affecting kids today. Kajol also loves dancing and is signed to a modeling agency in NYC.

Karsyn Brinkley

Karsyn Brinkley

Vancouver

Karsyn, 18, a senior at Skyview High School and a Clark College student graduating with her AA. She is the head coordinator for the Mr. and Ms. Skyview pageant putting on a production raising over half a million dollars for Make A Wish. In addition, she is a varsity cheerleader and National Honor Society member. Her career goals are to graduate with a Bachelors in Physical Therapy and then study abroad for her Masters.

Kate Dixon

Kate Dixon

Three Tree Point

Kate Dixon is a 15-year old sophomore at Kennedy Catholic. She is a member of the varsity cheer squad and varsity gymnastics team. She dreams of someday becoming a home stager and designer. Kate is active in her community and loves giving back to organizations like Lutheran World Relief Services, Friends of Youth, and Camp to Belong. She also enjoys walking her 3 dogs by the beach, swimming, and riding her longboard.

Kiana Miles

Kiana Miles

Sammamish

Kiana, 14, is a freshman at Skyline HS in Sammamish, WA. She’s a good student and a member of the National Honor Society. Although she’s shy, she enjoys singing and was chosen for an All State Choir. She recently performed with her school choir in Disney Performing Arts in Disneyland. Kiana has a big heart and she cares for the less fortunate. She aspires to be a lawyer someday. She is grateful to all her sponsors.

Lily O’Brien

Lily O’Brien

Seattle

A senior at Lake Stevens High School, Lily is an executive officer on her school’s National Honors Society, dance team, and Link Crew. She is the recipient of two President’s Volunteer Service Awards and has completed almost 2,000 community service hours. Inspired to do more, she founded the non-profit, “Hunger Won’t Wait,” to tackle hunger and food insecurity. Lily’s future plans include graduating from New York University, majoring in both Political Science and Communications.

Malikka Rajshahi

Malikka Rajshahi

Redmond

Malikka aspires to be a leader in the technology industry. Her motto is “Close the Gap: Open the World”; she hopes to encourage girls to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. When she isn’t perfecting her kickboxing skills or dancing, she is serving her community. Malikka is a TA at Aakriti Dance Academy. She was also a TA for CS Wonders where she helped teach youth Python, a coding language.

Marianne Bautista

Marianne Bautista

South Bellevue

Marianne is an award-winning, classically trained singer and a senior at Phillips Academy. Leading as a co-president of Non-Sibi Society, she is also a coxswain for the men’s top varsity crew boat. Marianne is an advocate for people with neurological disorders which inspired her to create Neuroscience Club—a club where students discuss groundbreaking technology concerning neurology and the ethics of it as well. She is fluent in French and spends her free time blogging.

Molly Nicholson

Molly Nicholson

West Puyallup

Molly is a senior at Puyallup High School with a 3.9 GPA and is completing her 2nd year at Pierce College. There, she serves on the leadership team as a Graphic Designer. Molly is a trained vocalist and guitarist, a lead in 5 musicals and performs at her Jewish Community Center. Molly enjoys volunteering at a Life Care Center where she assists in rehabilitation. Molly aspires to become an attorney.

Morgan Washington

Morgan Washington

Des Moines

Morgan is a senior in high school who aspires to travel the world in the future. Her interests include chemistry, animals, and fashion. She spends her free time taking care of her own animals and those around the neighborhood. She loves sports such as skiing, swimming, and gymnastics. When Morgan grows up she wants to become a marine mammal veterinarian and researcher. She also hopes to make positively impact future generations.

Rachel DeAngelis

Rachel DeAngelis

Pullman

This past year, Rachel graduated high school in 2 ½ years and at 16, she is attending Washington State University on an academic scholarship, studying molecular biology.  She has been recognized Nationally for her community service, volunteering 700 hours with 50 different organizations. She is an international model appearing in 1000 publications. Rachel is an American Heart Association ambassador where she has donated over $3,000 and helped pass a bill making CPR a high school requirement.

Rosellen Berberich

Rosellen Berberich

Pierce County

Rosellen, a varsity cheerleader and cross country runner, is involved in Key Club and has medaled four times in Washington 4H shooting sports competitions. She is a full time AP student with intentions to attend running start; then onwards to an ivy league law school to study environmental law. She volunteers with the Fathoms O’ Fun organization, supporting her community in the Kitsap region. Rosellen is also in the early stages of establishing a non-for-profit for girls education.

Sarah King-Scott

Sarah King-Scott

King County

Sarah King-Scott attends Insight School of Washington, where she maintains a 3.979 GPA and is Vice President of National Honor Society. Sarah’s interests include environmental issues, ending childhood hunger, and preventing bullying. Sarah will begin Running Start to earn her high-school diploma and AA degree at the same time. Sarah’s story of overcoming a childhood stroke was featured on King-5 News. Sarah’s ambition is to become a non-profit accountant and work in politics.

Searcy Larson

Searcy Larson

Bothell

Searcy is a fierce competitor and outspoken leader, who survived a traumatic and abusive childhood which allowed her to become a compassionate role model. When not at Bothell high school participating in ASL club, Searcy is with her All-Star cheer team, or pursuing her modeling career. This summer she will be spending her days having fun with and caring for children at Cedar Springs Summer Camp! Searcy one day aspires to be a combat medic.

Shamya Clark

Shamya Clark

Puyallup

Shamya, a high school senior, is pursuing her Associate of Science degree in Pre-Nursing. Her goal is to complete her degree in nursing and become a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist. She strives to normalize mental health and break down barriers in her community. With her own personal experience in the past, she started a club at her local college to promote awareness while giving others who struggle with mental health a place to be heard.