As a member of the Bears’ cross country team, Katelyn Minix ran her best time ever during a meet on Saturday morning. Her winning streak continued into the evening as Minix was crowned Miss UPIKE in the University of Pikeville’s first scholarship pageant.
Minix will represent the University during the 2012 Miss Kentucky America Pageant in Lexington, Ky., on July 12-14. A nursing and psychology major, she is the daughter of Dale and Jackie Minix of Salyersville.
Minix chose “Bone Marrow Donation Education and Awareness” as her pageant platform. It is an issue that is dear to her heart and a message she will share in the community over the next year.
After losing a family member to leukemia two years ago, Minix longed for a way to help others but wasn’t sure how one person could make an impact. The Miss UPIKE pageant provided the opportunity she was looking for.
Asked about her interest in the Miss UPIKE pageant Minix said, “I did this in honor of my cousin, Justin Brown. He was special and like a brother to me. I want to keep his spirit alive so he is not forgotten. It is also important to me to help others by promoting awareness.”
“Katelyn is a great representative of UPIKE and exactly the kind of young woman, student and community member the Miss Kentucky Program celebrates and rewards,” said Katina Justice, executive director of the Miss University of Pikeville pageant. “She is a dedicated student-athlete with a passion for her personal platform.”
The newly crowned Miss UPIKE received a $2,500 in-kind scholarship from the University of Pikeville, cash scholarship from the Miss America Program, gift cards from the UPIKE Bookstore/Barnes and Noble, Unique Boutique and Miss Priss, jewelry box from Hefner’s Jewelers and one-year membership at the Pikeville Area YMCA.
Hanna McIntosh, of Phelps, was named first runner-up in the pageant. A communication major, McIntosh’s platform was “Diabetes Prevention, Education and Awareness.” She is the daughter of James McIntosh and Lillie Dotson.
Kelly Kilburn, of Hazard, was named second runner-up. A biology major, Kilburn’s platform was “Bullying Prevention: Commit to Prevent.” She is the daughter of Allen and Nancy Kilburn.
Additional contestants included Cassie Robinson and Alexandria Allen. Robinson is a criminal justice major from Lovely. Her platform was “Destiny’s Hope.” She is the daughter of Tim and Blanche Robinson.
An education major from Oil Springs, Allen’s platform was the “Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center: Small Change Makes a Big Difference.” She is the daughter of Dexter and Janie Allen.
The Miss University of Pikeville pageant hosted a distinguished panel of judges from across the state.
Angela Baldwin is a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach and childhood obesity specialist. She has been involved in pageantry for more than 30 years as a contestant, judge, director and more recently as a pageant mom.
Prudie Thomas is a co-director of the Miss Cumberland Falls and Miss Southeast Kentucky Scholarship Pageants. She has served as the general chairperson, member of the Board of Directors and the Advisory Board of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival.
David Braun is the pastor of Willard Church of Christ and teaches at Kentucky Christian University. Braun volunteers his time as a pageant interview coach.
Kimberly Brown is an assistant professor of education, chair of undergraduate education and director of the master’s degree in teaching alternative certification program at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky. She has been involved in pageantry for more than two decades.
Whitney Bowles-Trowbridge graduated from the Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville and has more than 20 years of dance, acting and singing training experience. She was Miss Kentucky 2000 and was fourth runner-up to Miss America and a Preliminary Swimsuit winner.
Television and radio personality Jill Fraley of Pikeville hosted the competition. Fraley is a former Miss Sandy Valley, Miss Heart of Kentucky, Miss Morehead State and Miss Shelby County.
Caption: Miss UPIKE 2011 Katelyn Minix, center, along with other contestants, from left, Cassie Robinson, Hanna McIntosh, Kelly Kilburn and Alexandria Allen.
-UPIKE-