Utah Tech University crowns its first Miss Utah Tech University
By Grayce Payne
As a part of Homecoming Week festivities, the Miss Utah Tech University pageant provides students with the opportunity to showcase their talents, share their social impact initiatives, and compete for the chance to win a series of scholarships.
Zoe Sewell, a freshman criminal justice major, was crowned Miss Utah Tech University for the 2022-2023 school year. Sewell impressed the judges with her social impact initiative, Healthy Habits, and her performance of "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman. Sewell was joined on stage by her three attendants: first attendant, Katherine Walker; second attendant, Gracey Fowers; and third attendant, Samantha Bartholomew.
“It feels unreal to be the next Miss Utah Tech University and I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” Zoe said. “I’m looking forward to implementing my social impact initiative, Healthy Habits, on campus and representing the university at Miss Utah.”
The Miss Utah Tech University pageant has been a staple of Homecoming Week since 1951. The competition consists of participating in a private interview with the judges, pitching a social impact initiative, answering an on-stage question from the judges, and demonstrating a talent.
Zoe is no stranger to the pageant world as she was crowned first runner-up in the Miss Washington County competition earlier this year. Her stage presence, quick thinking to answer the on-stage question from the judge’s panel, and passion for her social impact initiative is what ultimately helped her to secure the title of Miss Utah Tech University.
Along with the crowning of Miss Utah Tech University and her three attendants, several contestants received special awards at the end of the night to recognize the unique strengths they demonstrated throughout the competition. The Team Player Award was given to Tessa Welch for her willingness to support and uplift the other contestants. Kate Backus was awarded the Service Award for her social impact initiative focusing on uplifting individuals with special needs in the community. The Trailblazer Spirit Award was given to Elizabeth Martin for her positive attitude throughout the competition, and Trinity Altena was honored with the Woman Empowerment Award.
As part of her duties as Miss Utah Tech University, Zoe will spend the next year implementing her social impact initiative, Healthy Habits. Zoe will also go on to represent Utah Tech University when she competes for the title of Miss Utah this upcoming summer.