Published: November 18, 2008 09:38 pm         

Owasso native crowned Miss UCO

Taylor Upson, a sophomore elementary education major from Owasso, was crowned Miss University of Central Oklahoma 2009 on Nov. 8 at the university’s annual scholarship pageant.

Upson’s new title qualifies her for the opportunity to represent UCO at next year’s Miss Oklahoma Pageant in June.

As Miss UCO, she will serve as a role model within the community and will implement her pageant platform, focusing on the Children’s Miracle Network. She serves as a “play pal” for the organization, whose job is to calm and help make children who are in recovery from surgery more comfortable.

Upson also plans on raising awareness of current activities at UCO.

“I would love to see more people involved in activities like homecoming and poverty awareness week. UCO has so many great activities and programs to offer, and I’m going to try get as many people involved as possible,” said Upson.

Upson has been performing for much of her life and dancing since she was four years old, but only started competing in pageants her junior year in high school. She signed on to do a pageant with friends for fun and ended up winning. She has competed in at least 10 pageants since then.

“Competing in these pageants (has) given me so much confidence, and I have learned so much from the experiences. I have learned that people don’t always remember what you performed or what you said during your question and answer, but the most important thing to do is to treat people with respect and love everyone individually. Doing that while competing in pageants has created some of my most rewarding relationships,” Upson added.

In addition to the crown and title, Upson received a $1,800 UCO tuition waiver and a $500 cash scholarship as well as a wardrobe allowance, trophy, diamond necklace, and personal training sessions.

First runner-up was Stephanie Villanella, a freshman from Skiatook, who received a $1,200 UCO tuition waiver and a $250 cash scholarship.

Emily Weeks, a freshman from Lawton, was named second runner-up and received a $1,200 UCO tuition waiver and a $200 cash scholarship.

Third runner-up was Brandi Davison, a senior from Choctaw, who received a $1,200 UCO tuition waiver and a $150 cash scholarship.

AnnaMarie Bomar, a senior from Lawton, was named fourth runner-up and received a $1,200 UCO tuition waiver and a $100 cash scholarship.

The winners of the additional awards also received trophies.

The Miss Congeniality award was given to Anna Priteo, a junior from Edmond.

The Director’s Award includes a trophy and $100 cash scholarship, went to both Upson and Chasity Ross, sophomore from Muskogee.

Upson also won the Talent Award, Physical Fitness in Swimsuit Award, and People’s Choice Award.

     

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