FROM THE ARCHIVE: We knew her then

Editor’s note: The following story was first printed in the July 7, 1983, edition of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman. It details Gov. Sarah Palin’s (then Sarah Heath) crowning as Miss Wasilla.

Looking like she couldn’t believe her ears, Sarah Heath, 19, stepped out of group of nine beautiful and talented contestants to be crowned Miss Wasilla in the sixth annual Miss Wasilla scholarship pageant.

Dressed in a stunning crimson gown, the daughter of Charles and Sally Heath of Wasilla accepted her crown and the congratulations of friends and family. Handfuls of roses were bestowed on the tearful new queen and an $800 scholarship was awarded by the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce.

A 1982 graduate of Wasilla High School, Sarah attends North Idaho College and is working toward a degree in communications to use in television broadcasting.

In addition to being crowned Miss Wasilla, Sarah received a $100 scholarship and the honor of the Miss Congeniality award.

For her talent portion of the pageant, she chose to do a flute solo of “The Homecoming.”

First runner-up Tammie Allen accepted an award of $300, second runner-up Jeri Morrison was granted a $300 scholarship and third runner-up Amy Gwen received a $200 scholarship.

The Wasilla High School Little Theater overflowed with supportive pageant attenders (sic) who, in between pageant competitions, were entertained by the humorous song and dance routines of Jerry Chud and the Little Girls.

Also lending to the talent Friday night were special guests Miss Alaska Jennifer Smith and Miss Wasilla 1983 Roberta Mau. Roberta was given a standing ovation for her touching farewell speech to the crowd.