New Miss Cache Valley named Saturday
The largest scholarship program in the world kicked off its Cache Valley version Saturday at the Ellen Eccles Theatre, and Jamilyn Manning, a senior at Sky View High School, took its top honor.
Manning was named Miss Cache Valley after a day-long competition for the title with the potential to lead her to compete for the title of Miss America.
“I stand all amazed,” Manning said. “That has a whole new meaning for me. I’m ready to give 100 – 110 percent.”
At its commencement, Jim Reese, director of the Miss Cache Valley Scholarship Program, promised the audience would get a show.
“You’ll see grace, poise, talent and beauty,” Reese said during the program’s opening.
The program was hosted by Reese and the now former Miss Cache Valley, Sharalyn Hartwell, who will be competing for the title of Miss Utah in June.
“These are 10 incredibly talented young women,” Hartwell said. “I don’t envy the judges at all.”
Manning was selected over the other nine – and older contestants.
Smiles adorned the faces of all 10 contestants, joyful for Manning, as she was crowned by Hartwell amidst the applause and cheers from the audience.
Manning’s combination of scores in the areas of interview, evening wear, physical fitness, talent, presenting her platform and answering a surprise question about what event was most influential in her life garnered her the title she will hold for the duration of the next year.
She performed an opera piece, Ah Fors é Lui from Verdi’s “La Traviatta.”
During the evening wear and on-stage question portion, she said her platform is teaching the importance of reading to children.
She said the good that can be accomplished by her platform can’t happen with a child reading a book or an adult simply reading a book aloud, but when all three have a relationship.
The birth of her younger sister, now 5 years old, was the most influential event in Manning’s life, she said. Because her mother struggled during the birth and nearly died, Manning gained an appreciation for family.
Lyn Manning, Jamilyn’s mother, said because Jamilyn was the youngest contestant and had no experience in competitions like Miss Cache Valley, her chance at the title was a long shot.
“She wanted to try and she learned so much in the process,” Lyn said.
Reese said he is excited for Jamilyn to be the new Miss Cache Valley.
“She is very capable of representing Cache Valley,” Reese said.
“I was happy whatever the outcome,” Jamilyn said. “When they called the first runner-up, I thought, ‘There’s still a chance.'”
Jamilyn also received the “Spirit of the Valley” award.
The following contestants were named as Jamilyn’s attendants. Becky Brandt, first runner-up, Carrie Thomsen, second runner-up, Tracy Bertagna, third runner-up and Erin Oxborrow, fourth runner-up.
Other non-finalist awards included Jamie Fisher for physical fitness, Myamaria Borden for evening wear, Danielle Wilson for the on-stage question, Heather Anderson for talent and Tara Skinner for interview.