Hannah Murphy crowned Miss Lewis County

Hannah Murphy was crowned Miss Lewis County 2026 and Haiden Bartel was crowned Miss Lewis County’s Teen 2026 during the annual scholarship program on Saturday, March 14, at the Corbet Theatre in Centralia.

Murphy is the 64th Miss Lewis County and Bartel is the third Miss Lewis County’s Teen winner.

Murphy, of Chehalis, is a 19-year-old freshman at Centralia College studying early childhood education. She is sponsored by Wagner Orthodontics and her hostess is Tara Phillips.

Her community service initiative is “Engaging America: The Next Generation of Voting.”

Riley Martin, of Onalaska, was named runner-up Miss Lewis County and received a $1,000 scholarship. Martin also won the Miss Congeniality award, which came with a $300 scholarship, and the Community Service Award, which came with a $100 scholarship.

Martin will take the crown if Murphy is unable to fulfill her duties, but is not eligible for more scholarships or prizes.

Bartel, of Chehalis, is a 17-year-old junior at W.F. West High School and a Running Start student at Centralia College. She is sponsored by Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty and her hostess mom is Rachel Mordick. Her community service initiative is “Cultivating Inclusion.”

Gracie Murphy — Hannah Murphy’s sister — was named runner-up Miss Lewis County’s Teen and received a $500 scholarship. She also won Miss Congeniality, which came with a $300 scholarship.

Like Martin, Gracie Murphy will take the Miss Lewis County’s Teen crown if Bartel is unable to fulfill her duties, but is not eligible for more scholarships or prizes.

Alongside their crowns and titles, Hannah Murphy went home with a $2,500 scholarship and Bartel went home with a $1,000 scholarship.

Murphy also won the Four Points of the Crown award, which came with a $100 scholarship.

Bartel additionally won the $337.50 Happy Ads Award, the $100 Community Service Award, and the $327 People’s Choice Award. 

Miss Lewis County contestant Amanda Linwood received the Staff Award, the $331.25 Happy Ads Award, and the $245.50 People’s Choice Award.

Murphy and Bartel will serve together as the official hostesses of Lewis County until March 2027 and will compete in the Miss Washington Scholarship Program.

Contestants in both Miss Lewis County divisions were judged on pre-pageant interviews, a “health and fitness” portion, on-stage questions, an evening gown portion and a talent show.

The theme of this year’s program was "Caffeinated Crowns,” a nod to the connection both Miss Lewis County 2025 Madeline Scalici and Miss Lewis County’s Teen 2025 Hailey Sturdevant have to Lewis County Coffee Co.

Scalici works at the Lewis County Coffee Co.’s stand at Providence Centralia Hospital, while Sturdevant was part of the student group that helped launch The Crimson & Gray powered by Lewis County Coffee Co. at W.F. West High School.

Both titleholders were sponsored by Lewis County Coffee Co. for their program in 2025.

Further fitting the theme, this year’s pageant was co-emceed by Lewis County Coffee Co. Co-founder Samantha Magnuson.

“Tonight's theme, ‘Caffeinated Crowns,’ reminds us that great things happen when passion, purpose and a little extra energy come together, just like the perfect blend of coffee,” Magnuson said.

As they passed on their crowns Saturday night, Scalici and Sturdevant reflected on their year representing Lewis County.

“As I look back on my year as Miss Lewis County’s Teen, my heart feels incredibly full,” Sturdevant said in a commemorative video played at Saturday’s event. “This opportunity has meant more to me than I could have ever imagined when I first stepped into this role. Getting to represent this community has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life. Every parade, every classroom, visit, every fear of appearance and every community event has helped shape me in ways I know I will carry with me forever. This year has been filled with moments that reminded me how special this community is and how lucky I have been to serve it.”

Her community service initiative was “Nourishing Hope: Empowering Communities Through Healthy Food Access,” and her Shining Star was McKenna Ziady, of Chehalis.

Scalici shared her experience at the Miss Washington pageant, where she roomed with the contestant who ultimately won the crown, Amber Pike.

“The friendships and memories I made during this week will be with me for the rest of my life,” Scalici said in a commemorative video played Saturday.

She also reflected on her experience at the Southwest Washington Fair, which she called the highlight of her year, and thanked those who served with her and supported her.

“My year of serving as Miss Lewis County 2025  has given me confidence, personal understanding of my strengths and weaknesses and hundreds of fond memories,” Scalici said.  “It's very bittersweet as I say farewell to this chapter of my life and hello to the next. I know my next chapter will be even better, as I carry the lessons and memories from this last year with me.”

Scalici’s community service initiative was “Live Better, Longer: Blue Zones,” and her LC Shining Star was McKenna Ziady, of Chehalis.

Saturday’s event also featured performances by the Southwest Washington Dance Center, Miss Lewis County Rising Stars, Pike, Scalici and Sturdevant.

For more information about the program or to donate to future scholarships, visit https://www.misslewiscounty.com.