Weber graduate chosen as Miss Utah 2004; Utah County women do well

Five Utah County women placed in the top 10 in the Miss Utah 2004 Scholarship Pageant held at Abravanel Hall June 26 before a packed house.

Amy Davis, a 23-year-old graduate of Weber State University, was selected as Miss Utah 2004 and will represent the state at the Miss America Pageant on Sept. 18 in Atlantic City. She earned a $10,000 scholarship.

Brittany Wiscombe, daughter of Stan and Ronda Wiscombe of Highland, was named as first runner-up and is eligible to compete at the National Sweetheart Festival in Hoopeston, Ill. She will receive a $3,000 scholarship.

The second runner-up was Hollie Jones, the daughter of David and Jerilyn Jones of Mapleton.

Rebecca Merrill, daughter of Carol Merrill of Layton and the late Brent Merrill, was named as third runner-up, with Marin Poole, daughter of Morris and Dixie Lou Merrill, fourth runner-up.

Other contestants finishing in the top 10 included Julia Bachison of North Ogden, Justi Excell of South Jordan, Lauren Kimsey of Sandy, Jandee Mortensen of Pleasant Grove and Carly Tooke of Spanish Fork.

Larissa Laycock, Miss Mt. Timpanogos, was selected as the People's Choice winner, with Hollie Jones as first runner-up.

All 57 contestants in the pageant received at least $250 in scholarship funds. The contestants compete against one another in the categories of evening gown, talent presentation, swimsuit/physical fitness and interview. Each is also asked to define and share a community service platform.

The Miss America Organization, including state and local affiliates, is the largest source of scholarship funding for young women. The organization awarded more than $45 million dollars last year.