With a performance from a hula dance group, tropical shirt-clad friends and family and a spread of delicious Hawaiian food, Kelsey Schmidt was sent off in style.
The 26-year-old Bellevue resident was named Miss Washington USA, and will compete for the title of Miss USA June 5 in Las Vegas. Dozens gathered to send her off and wish her well at the Bravern Residences in Downtown Bellevue
Miss USA is open to winners of the state competitions between the ages of 18 and 26.
Schmidt, a fourth generation Japanese-American, has led a life focused on promoting a healthy body image and a healthy lifestyle. Teased as a child for being “chubby,” Schmidt mentors young women to help them embrace their bodies. She blogs about her health journey and how she is preparing for the Miss USA pageant.
Her health interest goes into her professional life as well. Schmidt earned her bachelors degree from Scripps College and is currently a pre-doctoral fellow at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington.
According to her bio, she is “a member of Dr. Mario Kratz’s lab in the Public Health Sciences division of FHCRC, where her research focuses on investigating the relationship between lifestyle factors and chronic disease.”
After completing her Ph.D. R.D., she plans to open a nutritional consulting firm and continue chronic disease research.
She attributes her drive to her middle school science teacher, a Mr. Lewis, who inspired her.
“One teacher, one person can make a huge impact in the life of a child,” Schmidt said.
She has supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation for more than 14 years, and enjoys checking items off her “bucket list,” recent items being diving with sharks and rappelled down a 20-story building.
Schmidt is the daughter of Robert and Diane Schmidt, and she has two younger brothers, Garrett and Devon. Her “feisty” cat, Zack and a large extended family found out Schmidt’s life.
The Miss USA pageant will be televised from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 7 pm. on Sunday, June 5. The winner of the Miss USA title will go on to compete for Miss Universe.
