Ten to compete for Miss Sanpete crown on Friday
Robert Stevens
Managing editor
8/3/2017
MANTI —This year’s queen bee for the whole county will be chosen Friday at Manti High School when a new Miss Sanpete is crowned.
The new queen and her attendants will reign over the upcoming Sanpete County Fair.
“I am so excited this year to have worked with some new young ladies and those with devotion and drive to come back and compete again,” said pageant director Emily L. Cox of Manti.
“We see contestants come and compete for many reasons, including a desire to serve within their community, experience personal growth and build upon the competitive spirit that can carry them to the Miss Utah Stage next June—and, most importantly, the scholarship.
Cox says the new Miss Sanpete County will receive a $2,000 scholarship to the school of her choice to help further her education. Attendants receive amounts ranging from $200 to $500 to be applied towards college.
The soon-to-be crowned Miss Sanpete also receives a $1,000 wardrobe allowance to help her compete at the state pageant, says Cox.
“As the only franchised Miss America local pageant in our county, we believe in the four points of the crown—service, scholarship, success and style—and want to encourage those to compete, learn public relationship skills and ways to be a contributing member of their community.”
Watching contestants step out of their comfort zones and learn important life skills is, Cox said, “a joy to watch.”
There are 10 contestants in this year’s pageant; their profiles are below.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. at MHS and adult tickets are $6, with tickets for children 4-11 years of age costing $4 and kids under four are free. Each adult ticket will receive a program with additional programs costing $1.
Exiting the stage on Friday as the current Miss Sanpete will be Kaytie Nielson.
“We have been very lucky to have our outgoing Queen Kaytie Nielson of Fairview as our representative this year,” said Cox. “She has done a lot of service, helped us to grow our program and brought a kind light to all that she has done this year as our Miss Sanpete 2016.”
For more information about the pageant, please email misssanpetecounty@gmail.com, or contact Emily Cox at 435-851-0316 or Anne Fonville 801-362-1038.
Amelia Nell
Amelia Nell is the daughter of Alan and Kathy Nell of Ephraim. Amelia will perform a jazz dance to “Black Dog” and her platform is “Be Bright, Eat Right.”
Cox said, “Her service platform is to bring awareness to nutrition with healthy snacking choices and habits and how foods should be consumed and chosen in relation to its affect on our bodies, energy and overall health.”
Jasmine Alcala
Jasmine Alcala, daughter of Martin and ClairAnn Alcala of Manti, is competing with a talent of lyrical dance to “I Was Here.” Jasmine’s platform is “Every Girl is a Princess”
Cox says Jasmine’s platform is based upon growing young girls’ education, and finding ways to build self-esteem, and positive ways to cope that don’t lead to self damaging habits.
Makenna Cherry
Makenna Cherry is the daughter of Justin and Sharon Cherry of Ephraim. Makenna will perform a jazz dance to “Brand New” and compete on the platform “Have Courage and Be Kind.”
“Her service platform is based upon being a hero in everyday life,” said Cox, “through small kind acts that build upon one another, sharing and inspiring others to do the same and have courage in their daily choices to choose kindness.”
Michayla Jackson
Michayla Jackson, daughter of Mitchell and Kerrie of Milburn, will perform gymnastics and tumbling routine as her talent. Her platform is “H.E.R.O: Honoring, Education, Respect Others.”
“Michayla will focus on ways to honor who you are and the talents you have, “Cox said.
Lydia Madsen
Lydia Madsen, daughter of Jeremy and Jessica Madsen of Fairview, will perform vocals to “Don’t Forget Me.”
Lydia’s platform, “Lend a Hand,” is all about encouraging service and leading by example, says Cox.
Jillane Olsen
Jillane Olsen, daughter of Scott and Melissa Olsen of Manti, will perform a piano solo to “Waterfall” by Jon Schmidt.
Her platform is “Read to Succeed, “which will be an effort to raise support for reading across various age groups,” Cox said.
Jordan Henson
Jordan Henson, daughter of Abby and Jeremy Ivory, and Jeremy Henson of Fountain Green, plans to do an American Sign Language interpretive dance solo to “Let Them See You.”
Jordan is partnering with Autism Speaks to compete with the platform “4 Points of the Puzzle: Autism Speaks,” where she will try to advocate for the autistic and reduce social stigma, Cox says.
Ashytn Childs
Ashytn Childs, daughter of Gary and Anne Childs of Gunnison, will perform a jazz dance as her talent, and is competing on the platform “Be uniquely You.”
Ashytn says she wants to encourage others to be themselves, no matter if they have a disease or disability.
Bellamy Sorensen
Bellamy Sorensen, daughter of Thomas and Candice Sorensen of Centerfield, is performing a self-arranged piano solo to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by The Piano Guys and “Etude” by Kabalevsky.
Her platform is “Unplug,” an effort to inspire others to back away from their devices and find some balance and moderation in their use.
Senora Childs
Senora Childs, daughter of Kennith and Wendilyn Childs of Centerfield, will perform a dance solo to a mix of the music of Michael Jackson. Her platform is “Heroes 4 Heroes.”
“Senora hopes to implement a platform that focuses upon having a club to celebrate and honor unsung every day heroes,” Cox said.
