Just hours before her 21st birthday, Hanna McIntosh received a special gift. She was crowned Miss UPIKE in the University of Pikeville’s annual scholarship pageant.

McIntosh will represent the university during the 2013 Miss Kentucky Scholarship Pageant in Lexington, Ky., in June. A communication major, she is the daughter of James McIntosh and Lillie Dotson of Phelps.

Representing the university is not new to McIntosh. She has served as a student ambassador in the university admissions office where she led tours and welcomed potential students and their families to campus. She is also the assistant dance team coach.

McIntosh chose an issue that is dear to her heart as her pageant platform. “The Keys to Type 2 Diabetes Prevention: Motivation and Moderation” is a message she will share in the community over the next year.

“Both of my grandmothers were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes during their 40’s. This is something I do not take lightly because it also puts me at high risk,” said McIntosh. “I plan to use the title of Miss UPIKE to share my story and promote my platform.”

“It is important that young people are aware that what we do to our bodies at a young age affects our future health,” said McIntosh. “Making good food choices, engaging in physical activity and getting involved in extra-curricular activities are perfect examples of habits that should be formed early.”

“Hanna is a perfect example of the impact the Miss Kentucky Organization can have on the young women of our state. She has used Miss Kentucky as a role model and worked for months to meet the qualifications for the Miss UPIKE pageant,” said Katina Justice, executive director of the Miss University of Pikeville pageant. “We are all excited to witness her preparation for the 2013 Miss Kentucky Pageant and expect great things from her.”

McIntosh displayed her talent during the pageant when she sang, “Somebody to Love,” but her musical ability doesn’t end there. At the age of 10 she taught herself to play the drums and has since learned to play the piano and guitar.

The newly crowned Miss UPIKE received a $2,500 in-kind scholarship from the University of Pikeville, a cash scholarship from the University of Pikeville pageant, gift cards from the UPIKE Bookstore/Barnes and Noble and Unique Boutique, a six-month membership to the Pikeville Area YMCA and personal training from Fit Physique.

Joining McIntosh in the pageant were contestants Jennifer Grant and Brittany Hodge. Grant is majoring in business administration, management and sport management. Her platform was “Making a difference with mentoring.” She is the daughter of Jacky and Teresa Grant of Ponce De Leon, Fla.

Hodge is a business administration major from Garrett, Ky. Her platform was “Opening Eyes to Congenital Glaucoma.” She is the daughter of James and Kathryn Hodge.

Jessica Casebolt, Miss Kentucky 2012, and Katelyn Minix, Miss University of Pikeville 2012, hosted the competition.

The Miss University of Pikeville pageant welcomed a distinguished panel of judges from across the state.

Robin Wells is a pharmaceutical sales representative, yoga instructor and swim team coach. She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., with a bachelor’s degree in recreational management and a minor in ballet. Wells resides in Pikeville.

Jill Fraley is a radio host for East Kentucky Broadcasting and a former Miss Kentucky preliminary contestant. A graduate of Morehead State, she is a former news anchor for WYMT.

Heather Ratliff is a former Miss Kentucky preliminary contestant and pageant director. Ratliff received her master’s degree in education from Morehead State University and teaches elementary school. She served as the director of the Pike County Performing Arts program and resides in Pikeville.

Brenda Upton, of Berea, is the director of the Miss Berea Area and Miss Richmond Area Scholarship Organization and is the 2010 Miss Kentucky Pageant Organization Volunteer of the Year.

Dorissa Minix has been involved with the Miss America Organization as a local board member and pageant consultant. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and learning behavior disorders from Morehead State University and a master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. She resides in Clay County and is a secondary special education facilitator for Fayette County Schools.