Hi everyone! I am McKynlee Cottam, Miss Garfield’s new Outstanding Teen! (OT) I have been competing for this title for four years now. But I have been involved in the Miss America and Miss Garfield Organizations for even longer as a Little Miss, and by attending many of Utah’s state competitions.
This year Hope Peterson was crowned your Miss Garfield after many long hours of work and dedication. Your Junior Miss, Marlee C., and your Little Miss, Elanor B. were crowned alongside her.
On the outside the Miss Garfield Competition may look like a “beauty pageant,” but that is the complete opposite of what the organization is about. The people see you perform a talent, answer an onstage question, walk in your gown, and (for the OT candidates) do a fitness routine. Behind the scenes that morning, however, you all had a private interview with the judges to talk about all your presented paperwork to see if you were well suited for the job.
Many on the outside also don’t see the hard work each person has put into their talent, confidence, and public speaking abilities. When you sign up for Miss Garfield, you are signing up for a job, and you have to be committed.
As Miss Garfield and Miss Garfield’s OT, we are asked to serve our communities. This means we attend all public events in Garfield County and volunteer, so if you are ever in need of our service we would love to come and volunteer at your event.
It is also very important that we emphasize our SII (Social Impact Initiative). Every young woman that competes in the scholarship competition has one. This can be any subject they feel is most important to share and spread.
For example the last three years I have — and will continue to be — an advocate for organ donation. I believe that it is something everyone should sign up for. Although, this year I decided to change directions because of an amazing keynote speaker I heard at one of my leadership camps. Today my SII has grown into this: “It’s not always an accident: Choose wisely, and drive safe.”
The Miss Garfield and Miss America Organizations give all young women a great opportunity to learn and grow. They give you the chance to be surrounded by people who inspire and build. They are also a great way to influence and enhance your education through winning scholarship money. I have met amazing women who have impacted my life to a degree I cannot even express. I would not be playing the violin today if it weren’t for this organization.
I am so grateful to be in this position and to have met lifelong friends throughout my years of competing and hope to continue doing so in the Miss program in the coming years. It is an experience that I will never forget — and I am just getting started.
If you are thinking of competing, do it. It will change your life forever.
– by McKynlee Cottam (17) Escalante
Feature image courtesy Lori Porter.
Read about the Miss Piute Competition in May 2024 here.
McKynlee Cottam – Escalante
McKynlee Cottam is a junior writer, and sometimes editor, at The Byway. She is a senior at Escalante High School. This year she’s had the opportunity to be the school’s Student Body President and Miss Garfield’s Outstanding Teen. McKynlee loves to write about things that are going on in our county and world, as well as some fun out-of-hat pieces. She enjoys playing the violin, participating in basketball, and of course hanging out with her friends. The Byway has been a fun part of her life, and she hopes to keep contributing to it for some time!