Contestants of the Miss Idaho pageant recently competed for the title of Miss Idaho where Weiser’s very own Marissa Goodwin finished as 2nd runner up! The beautiful and talented Goodwin is the daughter of David and Angie Goodwin and a 2017 Weiser High School graduate.
When asked who has inspired her the most in her 8 years of competing in pageants, Goodwin shared that Sarah Jensen (who placed in the top 6 of this very pageant!) has always given her the courage to give the programs a chance. “I’ve known her for a very long time and have always looked up to and adored her. I would also say Nina Forest, Miss Idaho 2018. She became one of my best friends and gave me all the advice I could ask for and even helped me with mock interviews,” she shared.
Goodwin started in the teen program and won Miss Western Idaho’s Outstanding Teen back in 2013 and went along to also win in 2015. She also won Miss Caldwell in 2017, Miss Western Idaho in 2018, and Miss Meridian in 2019. With incredible experience under her belt, she shared that she has had some amazing people help her along the way. “My directors Grant and Ellie as well as Nina Forest and her sister Rachel were very helpful,” she explained as she talked about practicing a lot of mock interviews. “The amazing Victoria Thomas is the main reason I’m able to sing and she was incredibly influential in my vocal prep this year.” Goodwin also works very hard to maintain a healthy body both mentally and physically. While pageantry is a lot of fun, it is also incredibly stressful.
She is proud of herself for finishing in the top 3 of this competition and was pleased with how she performed and interviewed for the pageant. “This is the hardest I have ever worked for a competition and I know that hard work showed,” she commented. Goodwin has felt honored to compete with all of the incredible women who are changing the world through their work and pageantry. When asked about the most rewarding aspect of the process, she shared that the service she is able to give is something she is most proud of. The Social Impact Initiative she has worked on is for the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of her cousin who was wounded in action and has received help from WWP. Goodwin is currently running a raffle to raise funds for the project and the drawing will happen on July 10th. For anyone who wishes to contribute to the fundraiser by purchasing a raffle ticket, please reach out to Marissa Goodwin at marissagoodwin693@gmail.com.
Goodwin is unsure if she will continue doing pageants as this is still up in the air. “My life is changing fast and it’s getting more difficult to compete but no matter which way I decide to go I will continue to hold the program in my heart. It has given me enough scholarships to be virtually debt free, given me confidence, a voice, and believe it or not I was the shyest person you would have ever met before I won my first title! It molded me into a strong, confident, hard working woman and I am proud to have been a part of the Miss America Organization,” she concluded.
Congratulations, Marissa, on your 2nd runner up placement!
