Editor,

On Saturday, Nov. 11th, at the first annual Mr. Oak Harbor Scholarship Competition, we crowned our 2023 Mister and Teen Mister Oak Harbor Royalty, who will represent our city while serving the community for the next year. We supported eight contestants through our six-week program and ended the evening by delivering over $13,000 in scholarships and awards. This program is designed to encourage, inspire, and recognize the many achievements of the young men in our community.

The success of this program is not possible without the generous support of our sponsors. The Miss Oak Harbor (dba Whidbey Royalty) board of directors and the Mr. OH Club that planned the event humbly thank the following businesses and individuals for their support and contributions:

7-11, Annie Cash-The Annie Cash Team, Arby’s, Ashley’s Design, Caley Powers, China City, Chris’ Bakery, Chris Douthitt, Dave Paul, Denick Kloewer, Dominos, Elaine’s Photo Studio, Eric Marshall, Erica Wasinger, Flyers, Frances Dennis-Mary Kay, Frasers Gourmet Hideaway, Gene Kelly Barner-Edward Jones, Graeme Sandlin, Greg Smith-Edward Jones, Honeymoon Bay Coffee Roasters, Island Thrift, Island Trollers, Jeff McMahan, JuelinJoi, Karate Oak Harbor, Kate Hauter-Windermere, Kick Brass, Laura Houck Photography, Lotus Tea Bar & Studio, Mara Powers, Mark’s Auto Repair, Matthew Erikson, Micki Gibson, Monica Lopez, North Whidbey Soccer Club, Oak Bowl & Mario’s Pizza, Oak Harbor Café & Lounge, Oak Harbor Real Estate, Reid Schwartz-eXp Realty, River Powers-Edward Jones, Robert Sanders, Ronnie Wright-Pacific Grace Tax & Accounting, Russ Peters, Safeway, Specialty Welding & Technique, Sylvan Learning Center of Oak Harbor, The Ballet Slipper Conservatory, The Greenhouse Florist & Nursery, Tiffany Scribner, Triple C Constructions Services, and Windermere Whidbey Island.

We would also like to thank our Master of Ceremonies — Scott Jackson, our emcees — Hannah Kunkel and Elizabeth Hauter, our judges — Lauren Cook, Lyn Bankowski, John Geragotelis, Lynn Goebel, and JR Russell, our pageant-night “parents” — Dinty Musk, Elaine Torres, Marilyn and Nikki Tesch, our volunteer support — Diana Bedford, Abbie Martin, and Kristin Griffith — and our many pageant-night volunteers.

We are so fortunate to live in such a caring and generous community that has a deep understanding of the value of our youth. We thank our supporters for their continued investment in our program, our contestants for their steadfast commitment to the program and its process, and the families who shared their sons with us and cheered them on each week.

Miss Oak Harbor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, doing business as Whidbey Royalty, whose mission is to inspire, challenge, and mentor contestants while providing opportunities for them to develop life skills that will enhance their confidence, self-esteem, and sense of accomplishment.

River Powers

Miss Oak Harbor

board of directors

and the Mr. OH Club