Kerry Cole
June 4, 2020
Contest Campers Costume Creatively
A trailblazing explorer, a sweet S’more, and a payroll version of “Troop Beverly Hills” topped the field in an “in tents” competition as American Payroll Association members took the “Camp Payroll” theme to heart.
In Costume Contest results announced during the Congress Xstream Party Wednesday night, the winners by category are:
- Tristann Graves, CPP, Explorer Extraordinaire
- Stephanie Salavejus, CPP, Wackiest Camper
- Abbey Moran, CPP, Campiest Glamper
Below are all of the top vote-getters:
“I'm Trailblazing Tristann, Explorer Extraordinaire,” Graves wrote in her rugged camper entry. “My journeys require perseverance and fortitude as I navigate the Regulatory Rapids and steer through the Federal Forest to make my way to the clearing of Payroll Plains. My destination on these Payroll Plains is Compliance Camp home of the APA Base.”
Second- and third-place winners Carlanna Livingstone, CPP, and Jim Medlock, CPP, didn’t need costumes or props for their entries, which found them hiking the wilds of their home states of Washington and Colorado, respectively.
Salavejus got creative to claim the Wackiest Camper contest, proclaiming “Nothing I like S'more than APA Congress!” with her handmade costume treat.
Immediate Past President Jodi Parsons, CPP, joined in the hilarity with her hot dog costume and a camper trailer emblazoned with the logos of her favorite teams, the Kansas City Royals lion mascot Sluggerrr prowling nearby.
Tina “Wilderness” Wescott was ready for anything with her fish-adorned mask and jumbo bottle of insect repellant, with a frog and bird hitching a ride on her jaunty hat.
Moran channeled Shelley Long from the 1980s movie “Troop Beverly Hills,” using a familiar payroll term in calling her version “Troop 941—the Payroll Wilderness Girls.” She’s the leader of a troop populated by her own little campers, Annabelle, Olivia, and Violet.
“After years of watching me get ready for costume contests, they finally got to see it in person!” Moran wrote in the party chat.
APA President Lois Fried, CPP (second place), got in on the glamping act adorned in jewels and designer sunglasses while sipping her Lavazza coffee.
Casey Ward, CPP (third), luxuriated in her hammock while sipping an adult beverage.
Honorable mention recipient Emily Tietyen, MBA, PHR, glamped in Green Bay under a canopy tent amid twinkling lights.