'I just hope to make a difference': Meet Tabitha Hoyt, Miss Wisconsin Rapids 2020

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – There were many names running through Tabitha Hoyt’s mind as she stood on the stage last month at the end of the Miss Wisconsin Rapids Competition, but she never thought she would hear her own.

Hoyt stood on the stage with first runner-up Ariel Zdun, second runner-up Cassidy Sairs, third runner-up Brooke Doescher and fourth runner-up Taylor Swanson.

Hoyt was announced as the new Miss Wisconsin Rapids 2020 and kicked off her year of service Oct. 26.

“I didn’t think it would be me,” Hoyt said. “I was hoping, but I think everybody was hoping (it was them), too.”

This was the first competition for the 17-year-old freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Hoyt, a 2019 graduate of Lincoln High School, said she had worked at the Performing Arts Center in Wisconsin Rapids two years earlier and worked on the show, but this was the first year she was old enough to compete. Her friend and fellow contestant, Maggie Weiland, competed last year and convinced Hoyt to participate with her this year. Both played violin solos.

Hoyt started playing her instrument in third grade through an elementary strings program she was part of at her school in Oshkosh. Although she has been playing violin half of her life, this was the first time she performed alone on stage. She pushed through the stage fright to perform a solo that got her to the state Solo & Ensemble competition last year.

Her performance at the Miss Wisconsin Rapids Competition won her the Overall Talent award, as well.

Each candidate also chose a social impact initiative — formerly known as a platform — to focus on and make an impact on her community. Hoyt’s was called Caring for Children of Divorce. She said she chose the topic because it’s something she went through with her own family, and she was surprised at how few resources there were for children in that situation. Hoyt is looking forward to spending her year of service working on developing programs for children, so they can have an easier transition than she did.

The portion of competition that Hoyt enjoyed the most was evening gown.

“Where else would you get to dress up like that and feel so elegant?” Hoyt asked.

While the program is a competition — 14 women were vying for the title this year — Hoyt said she was surprised at how friendly everyone was.

“I didn’t go in with many expectations,” Hoyt said. “I did it thinking it would be a fun experience. It was a blast, and everyone was so nice. Competition can get tough, but there was such a friendly atmosphere.”

Hoyt spent more than two months preparing for competition by completing required paperwork and practicing her talent and interview skills. She said she also had a lot to learn about makeup, and her fellow contestants helped her along the way.

A week after she became Miss Wisconsin Rapids 2020, Hoyt said she is still getting used to strangers recognizing and congratulating her, but she’s excited to get to work.

“I just hope to make a difference as Miss Wisconsin Rapids,” Hoyt said.

Hoyt won a $2,000 scholarship as Miss Wisconsin Rapids, with an additional $300 scholarship for winning Overall Talent in the competition. She will compete at the Miss Wisconsin Final Competition June 20 at the Alberta Kimball Auditorium at Oshkosh West High School.

OTHER: Miss Wisconsin Rapids 2020 title, crown goes to Tabitha Hoyt

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Contact Caitlin at cshuda@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda.