Former Miss Arizona: Re-elect Kimball to city council

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Jen Smestad

By Jennifer Smestad

In 2012 after watching my close friend Jennifer Sedler (Miss Arizona 2011) compete in the Miss America pageant, I decided I wanted to follow in her footsteps. Through following her year, I quickly learned that the Miss America Organization isn’t just a pageant — it’s about serving others and giving back.

I entered my first pageant ever, Miss Cave Creek, and achieved first runner-up. One week later, I competed in Miss Tempe and also placed first runner-up. After that, I spent months getting myself ready for the next pageant and was determined to win. They say third time’s a charm, right? Well, luckily for me, I entered into the Miss City of Maricopa pageant and won! The prize was not only a pretty crown and the title of Miss City of Maricopa, but also a $1,000 scholarship.

After winning, I learned that the funding for the scholarship was donated by Councilmember Bridger Kimball. I was elated with the fact that a city councilmember cared enough to donate his month’s salary for a pageant scholarship, especially to a girl he didn’t know.

Representing the City of Maricopa for that year was one of the most rewarding and honorable experiences of my life, and I am so proud to have held that title. As Miss City of Maricopa, I went on to win the Miss Arizona pageant and was fortunate enough to represent our wonderful state on the Miss America stage. Having never forgotten where it all started, I appreciate Bridger’s contribution to make winning my first pageant actually happen. I also greatly respect and thank the citizens and other councilmembers of Maricopa for welcoming me with open arms and believing in me to represent them.

I am forever thankful for Bridger and all of Maricopa’s support, and now, I ask that you vote to re-elect my friend, Bridger Kimball, for city council as he is involved in the community and takes pride in serving the City of Maricopa.

Jennifer Smestad was Miss City of Maricopa 2012 and Miss Arizona 2013