By Marianne Holman
For most, a crown is something only worn dressing up on Halloween, but for BYU student Soben Huon, it is now a daily accessory after winning Miss Utah USA in early November.
?I figured it was a great opportunity to network if I were to win,? Huon said. ?It has given me that opportunity so far.?
In her senior year, the political science major from Long Beach, Calif. thought the pageant would be a good opportunity to meet all sorts of people.
Even with school, Huon managed to prepare for the competition while still living the life of a student.
?The last two weeks it was intense,? Huon said. ?Just getting the little things together and practicing interview questions. I spent about a month and a half preparing just trying to get everything together. ?
Preparations paid off on Nov. 12th at the Ellen Eccles Theater in Logan, as Huon received the crown and 2006 title. With this win, Huon will serve as Miss Utah for the next year and is eligible to compete in the Miss USA pageant, owned by Donald Trump, in April 2006.
Titleholders are judged on three events: an interview, swimsuit competition and evening gown. Judges are chosen on their ability to recognize a woman of substance, often including local celebrities and modeling agency representatives, said Yolanda Weller, assistant director of the Miss Utah USA pageant.
?We look for girls with really good morals and standards that come from a good family,? Weller said. ?Someone who will be a role model for the young girls of Utah, and someone that will represent Utah well at nationals.?
Along with the title, the crown holder?s job includes public appearances, speeches and representing Utah in larger events.
?The title is really just a platform if you so choose to use it,? said Marin Poole, Miss Utah USA 2005, who is also a BYU student. ?Soben has the opportunity to reach thousands across Utah, however she chooses to use it. The title provides a vehicle for change to happen, it is an opportunity for her to create change.?
Huon plans to take next semester off of school in order to fulfill her duties as Miss Utah USA, and she said she looks forward to representing Utah in the Miss USA pageant in April.
?She is a great girl,? Weller said. ?Not only is she beautiful, but she is intelligent and comes from a great family. She worked very hard to prepare herself for the pageant.?