Kaytie Nielson of Fairview named 2016 Miss Sanpete County
By Megan Batterman
Staff writer
8-11-2016
MANTI—Happy tears flowed on a bright stage as 2015 Miss Sanpete County Madelynn Christenson passed the crown on to the 2016 winner, Kaytie Nielson of Fairview.
Nielson was crowned at conclusion of the Miss Sanpete County pageant at Manti High School Friday, Aug. 5.
Nielson, who received an associate degree at Snow College, is a proponent of higher education. She plans on continuing her studies and becoming a radiologist.
“I’m really excited to be able to make a difference in people’s lives,” Nielson told the judges during her on-stage interview.
She wowed the crowd and judges alike with her larger than life personality, poise, grace and confidence.
Nielson, who is an accomplished piano player, played a rousing rendition of Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” complete with tuxedo tails during the talent portion of the show.
The competition for the title of Miss Sanpete County was fierce, with ten other girls vying for the crown.
As the girls prepared to take the stage, nerves and tension filled the air, the audience murmured and the house lights went down.
Music pumping, the ladies took the stage, one by one. Bailey Simons of Manti, Katelynn Watts of Fairview, Kaytie Nielson of Fairview, Amelia Nell of Ephraim, Birkley Ross of Spring City, Bellamy Sorensen of Gunnison, Mariah Hafen of Mt. Pleasant, Melanie Beck of Fountain Green, Madelynn Hill of Gunnison, Lakeisha Zufelt of Ephraim and Lundyn Wood of Ephraim all looked lovely in simple white dresses juxtaposed against the dark backdrop of the stage. Glittery chandeliers hung down and made for a dramatic scene.
Christenson, alongside her older brother, Lafe, acted as masters of ceremonies for the evening. The two made a charming pair and kept the crowd entertained with witty banter.
Christenson spent her reign sharing her platform of substance abuse and preparing for the Miss Utah pageant, which was held in June. She is noted for her kindness, ability to encourage others and her hard work ethic.
The pageant, which is in its 55th year, offers winners a scholarship for education. Miss Sanpete County receives a $2,000 scholarship with a $1,000 wardrobe allowance for the Miss Utah 2016 pageant. The attendants receive scholarships ranging from $200-$500.
Crowned first attendant in this year’s pageant was Amelia Nell. Nell was crowned Miss Ephraim in 2015. She danced to an upbeat jazz number for her talent.
Second attendant is Lundyn Wood of Ephraim. Wood showed off her talent for wildlife photography and shared with the judges her plans to work for National Geographic one day.
Third attendant is Bailey Simons of Manti. Simons spoke about her platform, organ Donation, and shared with the audience how organ donation has impacted her family following the tragic death of her brother.
Fourth attendant is Madelynn Hill of Gunnison. She performed a piano solo entitled “The Tiny Music Box Dancer.”
Nielson, who is no stranger to the pageant world, having been crowned Miss Fairview in 2012, said she couldn’t be more excited to serve her community as Miss Sanpete.
Her platform during her reign as Miss Sanpete County will be “Now is the time to be kind.” She plans to help educate youth in Sanpete County about bullying and how kindness really does matter.
Her brilliant smile and sparkling personality are sure to help her win the hearts of Sanpete, and Utah, as she represents the county through the coming year.
