Bonney Lake’s Kym Hopen, the reigning Mrs. WA Plus America, this weekend was named First Runner UP in the national pageant in Memphis, Tenn.

The pageant was just Hopen’s second, after winning the state title in February. Hopen entered the pageant to compete alongside her daughter and because she hoped to lead by example and show her children it is never too late to try something new.

“Who would have thought that a girl from the small town of Bonney Lake who attended little old Sumner High School and just wanted to try a pageant with her daughter could have come so far in just a few months?” Hopen said in an email after finishing second to Mrs. Texas.

Hopen supported an anti-bullying platform throughout the competition and said she lans to remain focused on that for the remainder of her reign, which runs to February 2013.

“I will be out there not only promoting my platform of ‘parents against bullying’, but also being a role model for women of all ages to show them that you CAN balance a husband, children, career and still go out and pursue your dreams and make a difference,” she said.

Hopen is a practice manager for a group of medical practices. In addition to supporting her title Hopen also raised monies for two charities, the Puget Sound American Heart Association and Cherish A Jewel. She has devoted her time to service for the following organizations: her local pet shelter, Relay for Life, Autism Speaks Benefit Pageant, McMillin Grange, and Kiwanis events. When Hopen is not working or serving she is hosting family events and vacationing.