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Days of '47 Goldenwest Credit Union

2024 Days of ’47 Royalty Scholarship Competition “Stout Pioneer Hearts-- Lift Others!"

2024 Days of ’47 Royalty

International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, in partnership with Days of '47, Inc., is pleased to announce the 2024 royalty: Queen Elizabeth Rampton, Attendant Korissa Behunin, and Attendant Tiffany Gunnell.

QUEEN Elizabeth Rampton Elizabeth Rampton is pursuing a BA in English with a speciality in Literary Studies at Brigham Young University with a minor in cultural dance. She was heavily involved in teaching reading, writing and working with struggling students to develop literacy. She has a passion for musical theater and all that comes with it, singing, dancing, acting, speaking etc. She used these talents while serving as a Nauvoo performing missionary for her church. She participates with the Heart + Voice Show Choir. Elizabeth is the daughter of Rhett & Jessica Rampton from Kaysville, UT.

ATTENDANT Korissa Behunin Korissa Behunin is enrolled at Brigham Young University studying to receive her BS degree in nursing with plans to become a Nurse Anesthetist. When she was deciding on a career path, she had one goal in mind, whatever she decided to do she wanted to help people. She served a mission in France and Switzerland for her church. Korissa has studied and played the harp for a decade. She is trained in multiple styles of dance including ballet which gave her the opportunity to dance as a lead dancer in her studio’s performances and Ballet West’s Nutcracker. Korissa is the daughter of Ben & Julianna Behunin from Riverton, UT.

ATTENDANT Tiffany Gunnell Tiffany Gunnell has been a ballroom dancer since the age of nine, and won numerous national championship first place titles. She has sung and performed in musicals, small groups, duets, and solo performances. She served a mission in Texas for her church and is always looking for opportunities to serve in her community. She is a photographer starting her own business. One of her goals is to offer photo sessions to people with health challenges who may be unable to afford professional photos. She completed the BYU Pathways Connect program. Tiffany is the daughter of Neil & Jeanette Gunnell from Elk Ridge, UT.

Young women from throughout Utah were evaluated by a panel of judges based on personal goals, education, accomplishments, leadership, values, community service, and their Utah pioneer heritage. The 2024 Royalty will reign over the Days of ’47 Parade, Rodeo, Pops concert and other events during the month of July. They will continue to represent the State of Utah, Days of ’47 and International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers for the upcoming twelve months.

About the Event

This year’s theme, "Stout Pioneer Hearts-- Lift Others!" was exemplified in the young women who participated in The Days of ’47 Royalty Scholarship Competition for 2024. The contestants, descendants of pioneers who arrived in the valley between 1847 and 1869, are the foundation for the future. They represent the high standards of modern-day pioneers with a love of their pioneer heritage and a vision of the difference young women can make in the world. A $9,000 scholarship was awarded to the Queen, and an $8,000 scholarship was awarded to each of her two attendants.

The Days of '47 Royalty Scholarship Competition is produced by International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers. All the young women who competed in this years competition graduated from high school and are between the ages of 18 and 25. The chosen royalty will ride in The Days of ’47 Parade, will be in attendance at many functions (such as The Days of ’47 Rodeo), and will speak at numerous gatherings and events during their reign. They will be role models to all young women who hear their message as they represent the State of Utah, The Days of ’47, Inc. and Daughters of Utah Pioneers. The judging took place on March 29th and 30th.

Produced By

International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers
To learn more, vist the International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers website.

Appearances

To schedule an appearance by The Days of ’47 Royalty members, please contact Constance Huntsman at 801-450-2757
cdhalice@gmail.com.

Days of ‘47 - History of “Royalty in Utah”

The first record of a Queen in Utah was in 1897 when Emma Lunt was chosen the Queen of the first Utah Pioneer Jubilee. She had two Maids of Honor, 20 Attendants, and two Escorts. While wearing an elaborate gown and crowned as Miss Utah, the newspaper proclaimed her as “one of Zion’s most popular young ladies.” Her reign lasted five days.

In 1897, a committee of about 22 prominent citizens decided that Emma Lunt was the girl to ride in the horse drawn carriage during the 24 th of July celebration. Miss Utah attended all of the events, but didn’t have to do anything but look pretty and make a formal bow.

The first pioneer parade was held in 1849. The parade was called “Covered Wagon Days” until 1931 when the name of the celebration was changed to “Pioneer Days.” The 1931 Queen (or “Miss Pioneer” as she was called) was Margaret Young, a direct descendant of Brigham Young. In fact, that year all 200 contestants were direct descendants of Brigham Young.

On July 5, 1943, Daughters of Utah Pioneers and Sons of Utah Pioneers signed an agreement to officially sponsor a Pioneer Day parade and to celebrate Utah’s pioneer heritage each year through a Days of `47 committee, a private nonprofit corporation. The event was renamed, The Days of `47. The first Days of `47 Queen was Pat Pixton.

The International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers orchestrates the Days of ’47 Royalty Pageant. Rather than being a “Zion’s most popular young ladies contest,” today’s royalty is selected based on community service, education/knowledge, charity, values and pioneer heritage. Young women are chosen based on those who exemplify the high standards of pioneers -- past and present. All royalty are descendants of Utah pioneers (1847 – 1869).