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Show u N I V E R I T V SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY• THURSDAY, JANUARY lS, 2001 Olsen is the queen BY KIMBERLY SWENSON JOURNAL STAFF WRITER The SUU Auditorium was packed with an excited audience awaiting performances from some ofthe most talented and beautiful women of SUU . The Miss SUU pageant unfolded before a packed crowd last night. The three-,hour competition was full of song, dance , dramatic monologues, and an evening wear competition-worth 15 percent of the total score-which was preceded by a private interview session- 30 percent of the tota l score-and the public swimsuit competition-15 percent of the total score. . As contestants narrowed to five , then two , Miss Utah Jami Palmer announced Meagin Olsen , a communication major from Roosevelt , Utah, as Miss suu 2001 . "I cannot believe it. I felt like I was in a dream ," said Olsen. The first attendant to Miss SUU is Amanda Matthews, a music-vocal performance major from Mapleton, Utah. Second attendant is Cherie Lowe, a communication major also from Roosevelt. Third attendant went to Nicole Metcalf, a communication major from St. George. Fourth attendant is Elisha Adamson , a family and consumer science major from American Fork. The energetic crowd filled the Auditorium with loud cheers and shouts for favorite contestants. "There was tons of energy and tons of excitement from the crowd," said D'EI Beatty , Miss SUU director. Master of Ceremonies was shared by Kristen DeGraff, Miss SUU 2000 and Jami Palmer, Miss Utah 2000. Amanda Pfundstein was given the spirit award and award for short essay while Nonie Cottam was deemed most photogenic. Non-finalist awards were also given based on individual event scores. The highest points in swimsuit and physical fitness were given to Shelly Brown; highest points in evening wear and interview to Melinda Visser; highest points - in talent to Nonie Cottam. "Miss SUU is one of the best preliminary pageants to Miss Utah.' said Palmer. "Meagin has a strong possibility to take my job next June.· Forty percent of the score is based on the talent. Olsen performed a character vocal "All That Jazz" from the hit Broadway musical Chicago. DeGraff entertained the audience with three vocal solos throughout the night and Palmer played an energetic piano solo. While awaiting th~ tallying of the judges' scores. Beatty's three children entertained the crowd with musical pieces. ~ Along with the title of Miss SUU , Olsen will also ~ receive a full tuition !cholarship next year. She will ~ represent SUU in the Miss Utah pageant this June. g Miss SUU is a role model, is confident, has a ~ commanding presence, is elegant," physically flt, ~ talented and accomplished; a leader, said DeGraff on ....::.;;.;;a..;....___;_ __.ffi commenting what the judges look for in Mrss SUU . Former Miss SUU Kristen OeGraff, a senior chemistry major from Monroe, Utah, crowns the new Miss SUU Meagin SEE RELATED ITEM ON PAGE 3. Olsen, a junior communication major from Roosevelt, Utah, last night. BOARD OF REGENTS CHAIR VISITS TRUSTEES MEETING; PRAISES PRESIDENT. PAGE 3. ' I · |