August 10, 2020, I was crowned Miss Garfield County’s Outstanding Teen. I was fortunate to work alongside my attendants, Nadia G., McKynlee C., and Cece K. Little did 14-year-old Ryley know, she was also being crowned with the opportunity to represent, serve, grow, and embark on one of the most significant endeavors of her life.
I was beyond excited to jump in and get right to work. I was spectacularly lucky to serve as a royalty little sister to my sister Brenley, who was crowned as Miss Garfield County on that same day in 2020.
On February 27, 2020, after months of late nights preparing for the competition, I headed up to Provo with simply the best of the best, my beautiful mom, Monica. That night we had an exhilarating fashion show where I was able to see instantly how unique every candidate was. The fashion show was just a brief look into the phenomenal weekend I was about to enjoy.
The following day I had an eight-minute private interview with the fantastic panel of judges that sincerely give their time and heart to this organization. The interview consisted of the board of judges wanting to find a young woman who was faithful to themselves, had a service heart and would represent Utah with hard work and dedication.
The questions varied from, “If you had to choose a Disney princess, who would you be and why?” to, “Why did you choose your Social Impact Initiative?” My SII from when I was just 14 is something I still advocate: Circles4Hope is a comprehensive, holistic, and grassroots approach to community suicide prevention, “postvention”, and intervention.
One of the memories that will stick with me for a lifetime is shortly after the interview, we had dress rehearsals. Unfortunately, not thinking ahead, I forgot rehearsal clothes. Being stressed and unsure of what to do, a sweet girl came up to me and offered me her jacket. Miss Carbon County, Skylynn Basso, thank you so much for being an example by reaching out to someone who needed it the most. If you didn’t reach out, I would’ve never gotten to know you, and we would not have the inseparable friendship we have now.
Rehearsals consisted of girls running around helping each other zip-up dresses, fixing the hair, contouring muscles (oops, it slipped—Pageant girls are strong), laughing until our cheeks hurt while tears were running down our face, and the empowerment from the future of women all in a tight space.
On the stage, you had your chance to sparkle and put yourself out there. My talent was a sassy and spunky dance. I will forever be grateful that I could share my passion of 13 years with people from all around the State of Utah.
Something I will forever cherish is listening to other contestants talking with so much desire in their hearts about their platforms.
There were 40 incredible young women that year, and one of us would walk away with the opportunity of a lifetime while the other candidates cheered us on from the sidelines. This organization is full of young women with many great attributes, poise, and charisma.
Dear Tari Cottam and Krystal Porter, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being exceptional role models. I will never ever forget the life-lasting positive impact you ladies have made in my life. The memories of you ladies meeting me with open arms after a long, successful, as prosperous day will keep me reminded I’m loved especially on my hardest days.
Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen competition was by far one of the most fun experiences of my life, from the girls, rehearsals, performing, and competing. I loved every ounce of it.
Representing Garfield County at a state level was an experience that brought a sparkle into my eyes as I aspired to be an exceptional young lady. I’m thankful for the opportunity, and I owe so much of my past, present, and future success to this program.
– by Ryley Veater (16) Panguitch
Feature image caption: MUOT contestants stand onstage together during the competition.
Read more about the Outstanding Teen competition in Miss Utah Outstanding Teen.