MOSES LAKE — Miss Washington visited four Moses Lake elementary schools Tuesday, encouraging students to succeed no matter what their circumstances in life.

Kristen Eddings, 22, was crowned Miss Washington in July and plans to run for Miss America in January. At Peninsula Elementary School, Eddings spoke to fourth grade students and sang for them.

Eddings attributed her position in life now to the decisions she made earlier in life. She said she chose to stay away from drugs and alcohol, including cigarettes.

“I want each one of you to know that in this room right now we have future leaders,” she said. No matter what one’s circumstance at home is like, they can still succeed, she said.

Eddings encouraged students to graduate high school and attend college.

“Set goals now, so that you can achieve them in the future,” Eddings said.

After encouraging students to make positive decisions, Eddings sang two songs, including White Christmas, a request from the principal.

The ambitions of Eddings include joining the Peace Corps, earning her masters degree in international relations. Eventually, she wants to be the first female U.S. ambassador to Japan.

Eddings became interested in Japan going into her senior year of high school, when she was an exchange student in Japan.

“I just became enamored with the culture,” she said.

In addition to visiting schools in Moses Lake, Eddings visited two rotaries and spoke to this year’s Miss Moses Lake contestants. Visiting Moses Lake led Eddings to conclude it is time for someone from Moses Lake to be named Miss Washington.

“My hope is that next year I can crown Miss Moses Lake Miss Washington,” she said.

Co-executive director of Miss Moses Lake Kris Duncan-Crum said hearing from Eddings in person would show contestants they can be in the same position.

“I think that’s the biggest thing because they all think it’s something they can’t do,” Duncan-Crum said.

Duncan-Crum said there is still time for Moses Lake girls and young women from 10 years old to 24 years old to participate in this year’s competition. A teen and pre-teen program are offered in addition to Miss Moses Lake. The deadline to participate is Jan. 10.

For more information, contact Duncan-Crum at 509-793-4885 or Co-Executive Director Robin Fazende at 509-760-8155.