On Saturday, June 16, 2018 I attended the Miss Utah Scholarship Pageant
at the Capitol Theater in downtown Salt Lake City.
 
A new car sat out front tied up with a ribbon and a bow on it. Inside of the
theater were hundreds of beautiful title holders from around the state, there
to support their choice for the new Miss Utah to be crowned that night.
 
As we sat in the balcony with many other supporters, the father of our own Miss Orem, Amanda Flinders, came over and gave me a picture of Amanda to wear around my neck and my daughter a large poster sign to hold up when Amanda came on stage.
  
Amanda was cool and calm throughout the whole process. I couldn't believe
how well she handled the pressure. Most of all I was proud to watch how much
of a friend she was to the girls around her and how she helped them in little ways of encouragement. Her musical number of singing was flawless, as was her evening gown walk, and answering of the question on stage.
 
The list of over 55 contestants was whittled down to 12 soon thereafter. I was nervous. Of the 12 girls, Miss Orem, Amanda Flinders, was chosen, Miss Timpanogos, Jesse Craig, Miss Orem of 2015, and Natalie Jaco, Miss Utah Valley University were chosen as well.  
 
Wow three wonderful girls from Orem were among the final 12 competing for the title of Miss Utah. Ally Craig from Orem, a former Miss Orem attendant, also competed as Miss Dinosaurland in the overall contest.
 
After these girls performed their talent, swim suit, evening gown, and question and answer sections the list was whittled down to 5 girls. Amanda Flinders and Jesse Craig were still part of the the final 5 girls.
 
That night Amanda Flinders won the prestigious Sadie Huish for her platfom "We Remember You: Connecting Generations by Honoring Veterans". During her year as Miss Orem, Amanda put together the first Veterans Honor Ball at the Senior Citizens Center and raised and presented four $1,000 scholarships to veterans attending Utah Valley University.  
 
Jesse Craig, who had placed as the 1st attendant in the Miss Utah pageant the last two years, won the preliminary talent award with a $100 scholarship, and the Glen Harmon Instrumental music award together with a $500 scholarship. Her violin musical number that she arranged was flawless.
 
When the voting was over, Jesse Craig was crowned MIss Utah and Amanda Flinders was crowned third attendant. Jesse won a $10,000 dollar scholarship and the use of a new car for a year.
 
I am so proud of the way our girls from Orem presented themselves and how hard they worked. I have always been proud of the girls who serve as our Orem city royalty as Miss Orem, Miss Orem Outstanding Teen and all of their attendants.
 
As the Mayor I attend many events, such as charity events, ribbon cuttings, ground breaking and many others. I am always honored to have our beautiful royalty there with us to represent the city in such events. The platforms as well that these girls pursue each year have helped us to give more kindness, to show our talents, to learn to serve others, help the less fortunate,
and to honor our veterans.
 
Wow, what a night it was to watch the girls from Orem show to the state what outstanding young women they are and what great character they have within themselves. It was an honor for Orem to have such fine women represent our city.
 
I am always thankful and proud to spend time with our royalty and to attend events with them.
 
So I say thank you to this wonderful program that helps these girls to grow, to serve, and to give back to our community in so many ways. They truly are lights that brighten our City.



Mayor Brunst