Over 181 online comments and still burning: That's how hot the topic of Cara Rudd's victory in last Saturday's Miss Auburn Scholarship Program pageant has become.

Rudd, a 21-year-old Federal Way local, and her new Miss Auburn crown have incited far more than just praise. In fact, a vocal group of bloggers who question the validity of the judges' choice-most of whom offered up their opinions anonymously-have protested Rudd's fulfillment of the program's residency requirements, delivered innuendos regarding her relationship with judges and board members, and directly assaulted her character.

And while this unfolding story has all the makings of a classic pageant melodrama, Miss Auburn Scholarship Program President Nancy Backus said emotion has gotten in the way of the facts.

Backus contends that Rudd's victory may not have pleased everyone, but her fulfillment of the program's guidelines and requirements never swayed from the up-and-up.

"We will not shy away from the controversy," Backus said in an interview with the Federal Way News February 4.

The residency issue

Much of that controversy, Backus said, stems from a Federal Way resident participating in-and winning-a pageant open to young women residents of Auburn.

But the program has an established system for accepting non-residents from the region that "have no 'local' in their community."

The Miss Auburn program's franchise relationship with the Miss America program requires them to offer the "next closest" invitation to those contestants living outside Auburn.

Since Federal Way has no Miss Federal Way Program pageant, Backus said, Rudd, a former Federal Way Junior Miss, had the opportunity to interview as a contestant.

Otherwise the pageant operates as a "closed program," requiring that it's participants live, work, or attend school in Auburn.

Once the program confirms an applicant's eligibility, those girls wishing to become contestants go through a private interview and showcase their talents to the board.

"That's where it all started," Backus said, referring to the controversy. "Cara does have ties to Auburn, just not as close as some of the other girls."

Rudd recently received an Associate of Arts degree from Green River Community College, before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle Pacific University.

Passing Judgment

Some of the comments on the FederalWayNews.net site suggested Rudd likely guaranteed her victory this past Saturday by buying off some of the judges.

Backus called these claims "absolutely ridiculous."

"We put together a judging panel that does not know the girls," Backus said. "None of the judges knew Cara in advance."

The contestants do not pay a registration fee, Backus confirmed. The Miss Auburn Scholarship Program relies on a strong base of sponsors to support each of the girls.

"There is no entry fee required by them at all," Backus said. "We pride ourselves on that fact."

"These girls are in it for the scholarship dollars," she said.

And with more than $80,000 in scholarships up for grabs, the contestants naturally use whatever means available to give themselves the upper hand.

Backus admits that Rudd leaned on certain members of the board for help with her program, seeking out their expertise with assistance on a variety of elements of her repertoire, from her talent to her resume and platform.

Some of those who left comments on the site suggested Rudd violated the pageant rules by utilizing the board's help, or at least guaranteed favoritism with the judges by doing so.

But the president said this act is encouraged-even popular-among the contestants.

"All of the young ladies are offered the opportunity for additional help," Backus said, "Cara took them up on that...so did many of the other (contestants)."

"This is a perfectly normal practice within the organization," Backus said. "It's up to the contestants whether they take advantage of that opportunity."

So what is the fuss about?

Backus said she believes the majority of the complaints are two-fold.

On one hand, Rudd's residency issue likely causes friction among the contestants, parents and fans who believe the title of Miss Auburn belongs to a local.

Secondly, she cited rumors of personality conflicts between Rudd and some of the other contestants, and a few that complained of the way Rudd treated them.

"But at this point," Backus said, "these rumors are just that...rumors."

There have been no formal complaints filed at this point, the president said.

Backus admitted that the qualities of perseverance and determination needed to win the overall title of Miss Auburn don't always make those contestants the most likable of the field.

"Every young lady is not always going to win Miss Congeniality," Backus said, "This is not a popularity contest."

Backus emphasized that she had no reason to suspect Rudd acted in any matter other than congenial.

Rudd was unavailable for comment at this time, because the Miss Auburn Scholarship Program requires a member of its board present anytime a contestant speaks with the media.

Anonymity and Scholarship Money

Backus said the verbal thrashing taking place on this site saddens her, and the shameful anonymity many of these posters hide behind is befuddling.

Some of the parents who left comments on FederalWayNews.net claimed they feared retribution during Thursday night's (February 8) scholarship award ceremony if they gave their names.

"That's utterly ridiculous," Backus said. "We would never withhold scholarship money."

"Our program takes the high road," she added.

This year's scholarship total-more than $80,000-finds its way into the hands of most of the contestants, with a minority of the funds divided among finalists.

"The majority of scholarships do not rely on placement," Backus said.

Over $35,000 of that figure came from online Pay-Pal donations and matching funds.

"Only $10,950 is awarded based on being a finalist," Backus said.

That leaves $69,000 in scholarships divided among the other participants for their achievements in academics, community service, inspiration, breast cancer awareness, winning spirit, self-improvement, and posture. The contestants may also win scholarships for Miss Congeniality, People's Choice and Most Improved. The latter, for example, offers two $1,000 awards.

"All 24 contestants were awesome," Backus said. "Each one of them is walking away with quite a few scholarship dollars."

Sour Grapes

Backus, a 29-year veteran of the Miss Auburn Scholarship Program said the public response to this year's winner reminds her of her first year with the event, when a contestant from Federal Way took home the Miss Auburn crown to the other side of I-5.

"It's come full circle," Backus said.

But Backus said she believes much of the frustration during this year's event is a case of sour grapes, made more unpalatable by Rudd's residency issue.

"I understand that there are parents that want their children to win," Backus said. "It hurts my heart to see so many people unhappy...to see all of this anger taking place."

Backus said she offers her congratulations to Rudd and all of the talented contestants who participated in the event.

"We're going to move forward," she said.