Though he didn’t bag the first-prize trophy, one South Whidbey man gave it his all this week – and had a blast – at the Washington State Best Bagger Competition in Shoreline.

Five grocery store courtesy clerks from around the state competed Thursday for “bagging rights” and the honor of representing the Evergreen State at the National Grocers Association Best Bagger Championship in 2024.

Langley resident Jadan White, an employee at the Goose Grocer since 2019, was chosen to compete.

“I believe it’s not exactly how many years you spend at the store, it’s the technique and the perseverance you have to compete,” the 22-year-old cashier said before the friendly competition began. “When it comes down to it, it’s you and the bag and the people standing next to you.”

During the competition, the courtesy clerks bagged with reusable and paper bags. Contestants were judged by speed, proper bag building technique, distribution of weight between bags, style, attitude and appearance.

White made it to the third and final round, but was bested by Emma Beeler, an employee of Super 1 Foods #34 (Rosauers, Inc.) in Spokane.

“I think I did a pretty good job,” White said. “The person who got first was just a little bit better than me.”

White won second place and the title of first runner up, which also came with a $1,500 cash prize. He plans to use his winnings sensibly to further his career education and maybe get a new pair of brakes for his car.

Jadan White, center, placed second at the Washington State Best Bagger Competition in Shoreline. (Photo provided)