YAKIMA, Wash. – The Valley Mall in Yakima became a stage for the Miss Yakima County, Miss Yakima Teen, and Miss Apple Valley competitions, bringing together girls from across the area to display their talents and passions.
The event featured various segments, including one-on-one conversations, health and fitness, and a talent portion. Contestants vied for the crown, with tiaras sparkling throughout the entire event center.
Valeria Lopez, last year’s Miss Yakima County, shared how her win has impacted her life.
“I have been able to travel throughout the state of Washington and get to meet different title holders from different counties. And I got to compete in Miss Washington this past summer. And it was such a great experience getting to bond with the girls and get exposure to new opportunities and new scholarships,” she said.
Lopez’s scholarships from the Miss America Organization are helping her continue her education at Gonzaga University, where she is currently debt-free. During her competition, Lopez focused on a community initiative for mental health, which she says holds personal significance.
“At age 15, I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, and I come from a Hispanic background. I am Mexican-American, and in my culture, mental health is not really spoken about or it’s shut down right away. Currently, I am a CNA at Multicare Yakima Memorial Hospital and actually work in the psychiatric services. So I get to everyday experience people living through a mental illness, either schizophrenia, bipolar,” Lopez stated.
As Lopez prepares to hand over her crown, she expressed mixed emotions but is excited for the next Miss Yakima County.
“It is a bittersweet moment, but I am ready to pass down the crown to the next girl. So I’m going to be cheering her on to whoever that is to fill in the heels that I’m wearing right now, because there are some big ones and to truly just represent in their own way,” she added.
Lopez will crown Payton Burkett as the newest Miss Yakima County 2025. Ryleigh McWilliams was named Miss Apple Valley and Adelaide Gervais was crowned Miss Yakima County Teen.
