Written by Gia Miller and Kayla Schmidt
Courtney Walker is the owner of Full Court Press, a public relations/special events consulting firm that specializes in arts organizations and small businesses in the Westchester region. She is also a proud member of the Pleasantville Pride committee, a singer who is very involved in the local music scene, a fierce supporter of small businesses and a fitness enthusiast.
Why did you want to be a judge?
I’ve lived here for a decade and feel a very strong connection to my community. I think it’s incredibly important to support our local businesses and raise awareness about what they offer to our community.
What stood out to you most during the judging process?
Our passion for this whole area. There are some very passionate people living here who want others to feel what we feel, and that’s just such a good feeling.
Did you take bribes? Be honest…
Hell no!
What was your judging philosophy for this year?
I wanted to go in with an open mind and to listen intently to my fellow judges, which I did.
What’s harder: keeping the winners a secret or keeping your personal opinions to yourself?
Keeping the winners a secret.
Did you burn your notes after judging?
Absolutely! (Laughs.) They were incinerated.
If you could sum up the judging experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Let the games begin.
You’re going on the judge circuit. What type of contest would you rather judge?
Best dog costume or most delicious vegan chili?
Most delicious vegan chili because I’m genuinely curious about how that would taste.
Food truck throwdown or best knitted sweater for a dog?
Definitely the food truck throwdown. Food is love.
Best creative cocktail or most exquisite hula dance?
Most exquisite hula dance. That would be a new and exciting experience.
Most soothing song created exclusively with cat sounds or best attempt at building an Ikea dresser without instructions?
Building an Ikea dresser without instructions, because who hasn’t been there and failed?
Most dramatic eye roll, or worst parallel parking attempt?
Oh, this is a tough one, but I’m going with the worst parallel parking attempt because I’ve seen some pretty bad parallel parking these days.
Funniest kid dressed up as Charlie Chaplin or most aerodynamic wheel of cheese to roll down a hill?
Oh, my God! I can’t resist the kids, so it’s gotta be Charlie Chaplin.
Funniest impersonation of a cat throwing up or best folded fitted sheet?
Best folded fitted sheet. I want that information for myself.
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Gia Miller is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief/co-publisher of Connect to Northern Westchester. She has a magazine journalism degree (yes, that's a real thing) from the University of Georgia and has written for countless national publications, ranging from SELF to The Washington Post. Gia desperately wishes schools still taught grammar. Also, she wants everyone to know they can delete the word "that" from about 90% of their sentences, and there's no such thing as "first annual." When she's not running her media empire, Gia enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, laughing at her crazy dog and listening to a good podcast. She thanks multiple alarms, fermented grapes and her amazing husband for helping her get through each day. Her love languages are food and humor.
Kayla Schmidt
Kayla Schmidt is a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School. She is part of the newspaper and the SADD club, and she is also the co-manager of the track team. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and dogs, along with reading (preferably on the beach).
