Hi, I’m your 2024 Miss Garfield, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to introduce myself and share my journey with you. You might be wondering about the person behind the title, so let me tell you a little bit about myself.
When I was 16, I moved to the family homestead here in Panguitch, Utah. I loved it! From the high school to the one grocery store and the blinking red light, Panguitch instantly felt like home.
What I absolutely love about Panguitch is the many opportunities it has available for the youth. I was quickly involved in many clubs and the community. I have been in love with Garfield County ever since.
Involvement in Clubs and Community
Throughout high school I participated in many clubs. There, I interacted with great service organizations and, best of all, friends! I was proud to be a member of the Youth 4-H Club, Panguitch Youth Drug Prevention Coalition, the FBLA team and TV broadcasting crew as well as the high school drama and debate teams.
Among these things, I have a deep love for the stage. I’ve had the privilege of playing various roles, including Dolly in Hello Dolly and even the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz in 2015 and 2016. In addition, I honed my public speaking skills as the 1A Impromptu champion of my debate team, representing Panguitch High School in 2017. I’ve always believed in using my voice for the greater good.
A Career Centered in Garfield County
After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2019, I continued my education at Utah State University.
In 2022, during my time at Security Title of Garfield County, I discovered a pressing need for certified appraisers in the Garfield and Piute area. So, I decided to enroll in Online Appraisal School, and I’m currently a certified Apprentice Trainee Appraiser.
I have big plans for the next five years.
I’m determined to earn my Residential Appraisal License and launch my own appraisal business in Garfield County. I also aspire to make a name for myself in the world of dog training and competition with my German Shepherds, aiming to win a championship title with the American Kennel Club.
Lastly, I have dreams of finding my soulmate and starting a family, traveling the world, creating a program for training family-friendly protection dogs, and finding a beautiful home on a sprawling estate.
Finding a Community Service Initiative Focused on Mentorship
But my life’s mission right now has been all about mentoring.
I’ve been privileged to work part-time at a home for high-functioning autistic children, where I serve as a mentor. Witnessing these students grow and accomplish their goals has been an incredibly rewarding experience and has been a major learning tool for developing my Community Service Initiative as Miss Garfield.
I’m proud to introduce my Community Service Initiative to you, which is a program I designed called Life Mentoring.
In the digital age, the alarming rise of anxiety, depression and disconnection among youth calls for “CSI: Life Mentoring,” a vital program aiming to reestablish meaningful human connections. This initiative proposes “Life Mentors” – a partnership with Garfield County’s 4-H program and Teen Council to train community members to recognize, become, and support mentors.
The program’s core is a “speed-date/introduction” event, facilitating one-on-one interactions between students and mentors to build social skills and confidence, ultimately strengthening the community’s bonds and better preparing its youth for the future.
I am so excited to share this year with you as Miss Garfield. I can’t wait to work with you all and make this community more beautiful.
Thank you all for living here and being an inspiration to me and the youth of this county. If you have any events where you would like to see mine or my beautiful attendants’ smiles, we are so happy to be there and serve you, so please reach out! I love you Garfield County.
– Your 2024 Miss Garfield, Aubree Hughes
Feature image courtesy of Aubree Hughes.