Miss Garfield’s Teen, Clara Peterson of Escalante, competed at the Miss Utah’s Teen pageant in Provo, Utah on February 15-17, 2024. The three-day competition between 29 contestants from all over the state began on Thursday morning and the girls were interviewed by a panel of judges for the job of Miss Utah’s Teen.
The interview gives the judges a chance to get to know each contestant and gives the Miss Teens a chance to showcase their Community Service Initiative. Clara’s Initiative focused on Music Education Awareness.
Friday marked the beginning of the three-part public showcase of the contestants. After spending many hours of preparing, the young women put on a dazzling show with a group dance, talent show, evening wear, and onstage questions.
Clara charmed the audience with her ukulele, singing a song of her own composition, “Know You.” She sparkled onstage in her glitter blue gown and explained the importance of music in education.
Ultimately Miss Lehi’s Teen, Kira Gardner, was crowned Miss Utah’s Teen and will compete at the Miss America pageant. But the poise, sweetness, and authenticity displayed by Miss Garfield’s Teen Clara Peterson was a fine representation of those who she serves in Garfield County.
Clara will complete her year of service to Garfield County in August when the next Miss Garfield’s Teen will be crowned.
This August’s competition will bring some changes in the program. Long-time director, Tari Cottam of Escalante, a former Miss Garfield herself, put on her final pageant last year—completing 15 years of service to the program.
The 2024 competition will be under the direction of Karma Albrecht and will take place in Panguitch. Tari voiced her confidence in the next chapter of the pageant, saying, “It’s a program that has changed young women’s lives and I know that Karma will take it to the next level.”
The competition, put on in conjunction with the county fair will showcase young ladies ages 5-28 to crown a new Miss Garfield, Miss Garfield’s Teen, Junior Miss Garfield, and Little Miss Garfield.
– The Byway
Feature image courtesy of Robbin Peterson.