Wood Wants To Be Miss Washington

WAITSBURG -- Waits- burg's own eight-year-old Mya Wood is heading to Tacoma this August for a chance to represent Washington State in the National American Miss pageant.

The state competition for her age group, seven-to-nine-year- olds, will be Aug. 9 through 12 at the Murano Hotel in Tacoma, Wood said.

"I'm kind of nervous but I'm excited about the competition," she said.

Wood's first grade teacher Dinah Lindsey said she thinks Wood has a real possibility of becoming the next Miss Wash- ington.

"She has a very outgoing personality, she's a very hard worker, very friendly and got along well with others," Lind- sey said. "She played well with peers and appeared to be a leader in the classroom and the playground."

Wood said she likes spend- ing time with her friends and she's not afraid to run with the boys, literally. She enjoys running footraces against her friends and especially likes winning the races against boys, some of whom are older than she.

Her athleticism doesn't stop with her love of running. Wood has played soccer for two years, t-ball for two years, wrestling for one year and practices gymnastics at home.

She also enjoys riding hors- es and has been taking lessons with the hope of getting a horse of her own.

Wood said she enjoys help- ing others and aspires to be a doctor or a nurse.

"I want to work with peo- ple," she said.

Aiding in her aspiration, Wood said her favorite subjects are math and science.

Wood has several sponsors already, but hopes to get more before the pageant. To sponsor Wood, in her pageant adven- tures, call 509-876-1245.