MT. PLEASANT—More than 100 people gathered in the North Sanpete High School auditorium to watch the crowning of the 68th Miss Mt. Pleasant on last Friday, May 13.
Lights lit up the stage as Aubrie Stiglich, Hanna Nelson and Journey Toomey anxiously waited to see which one of them would be the titleholder.
Ultimately, a $2,000 scholarship and the title of Miss Mt. Pleasant went to high school junior Journey Toomey, daughter Davis and Teasha Toomey.
Stiglich, daughter of Chris and Marilyn Terry and Kira Stiglich, and Hannah Nelson, daughter of Kevin and Lacy Jorgensen and Travis Nelson, were named co-equal attendants.
Prior to the announcement of the winners, the three contestants competed in interviews, a talent show, and casual and evening wear competitions.
“One amazing thing about each one of them is that they are each other’s cheerleaders,” Shealee Tucker, the master of ceremonies, said. “Every time they go on stage, I can hear the other two saying, ‘Look how good she did.’”
The winner is determined by a scoring system: 30 percent for private interviews, 30 percent for talent, 10 percent for an onstage interview, 15 percent for casual wear and 15 percent for evening wear.
Each contestant also chose a social impact initiative. Toomey chose, “Reach Out, Rise Together.”
“It’s all about breaking the stigma that surrounds mental health. I want to encourage individuals in our community to talk more about their mental health to help break the stigma,” Toomey said.
“I want to encourage everybody in our community to learn a little bit more about mental health so they understand what others go through when they suffer from mental illnesses.
“I decided to choose this because I did unfortunately lose my dad to suicide, and I just want to make sure that that doesn’t happen to anybody in our community. I want to make sure that everybody feels loved and that there is help out there.”
Nelson’s social initiative had to do with Domestic Violence Awareness, while Stiglich calls her initiative “Helping Hands,” which relates to helping families who experience financial, medical and other problems and need community support.
During the interview portion, Toomey was asked, “What is your definition of success?”
“Anybody who tries hard at anything,” Toomey said. “So if you tried something new and out of your comfort zone, I think you are successful.”
The talent portion was judged based on performance, technical skill level, stage presence, interest and entertainment value.
Toomey demonstrated her talent with an interactive video highlighting her skill and achievement in sports.
She has started in every varsity soccer game since her freshman year, lettering four times. She has also qualified for state track in both her freshman and sophomore year.
Her athletic talents don’t end there, though. She place fourth the state in her first year of wrestling and received the Heart of the Hawk award. She was also nominated as Mid-Utah Radio’s girl wrestler of the year.
Besides the $2,000, Toomey won a the scholastic award, worth $100. Stiglich got a $750 scholarship, plus $300 for receiving the Heart of Gold Service award, Heart of Mt. Pleasant award and winning the talent contest. Nelson received a $750 scholarship.
The pageant directors and participants wanted to sponsors and the community for all of their support.
