By Christina Corrales-Toy
Mandy Schendel, Miss Washington 2012, addresses supporters at a party held in her honor Aug. 25.

NEW — 10:50 p.m. Jan. 12, 2013

When the semifinalists were announced at the 2013 Miss America pageant in Las Vegas, cutting down the field of 53 to just 15, it appeared that Mandy Schendel’s night was over.

But a surprise twist on the night gave new life to Schendel’s run in the competition, when judges were given the opportunity to add one more semifinalist.

The panel of judges, including Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney and dancer Cheryl Burke, chose Schendel, a 2008 Hazen High School graduate.

Schendel made the most of the opportunity; advancing through both the swimsuit and eveningwear portions of the show, on to the top 10.

As a top-10 finalist, Schendel competed in the talent portion, where she sang Rascal Flatts’ “My Wish.”

Her night would end there, however, after she failed to advance to the top five.

Still, it was a successful ride for Newcastle’s Schendel, who was crowned Miss Washington back in July.

Earlier in the week, Schendel picked up a preliminary prize when she took the trophy for the third round of the Lifestyle and Fitness category after modeling a strapless white Catalina swimsuit. Schendel earned a $1,000 Amway scholarship for it.

The Newcastle and Renton communities are invited to meet and greet with Miss Washington 2012, Mandy Schendel, at a homecoming celebration on Aug. 25.

Schendel, a Newcastle resident and 2008 Hazen High School graduate, was crowned Miss Washington last month. She will compete in the Miss America Pageant in January.

The purpose of having a homecoming event for Miss Washington is to allow the local community that she came from to come and see her and wish her well as she travels the state for speaking events and prepares for the Miss America Pageant.

There will be food and entertainment at the event, which is free and open to the public.

The celebration takes place from 5-9 p.m. at the Barbee Mill Community Beach Club, 4205 Williams Ave. N., Renton.