Competition scoring for the event includes: a private interview with the panel of judges, a talent showcase, an evening gown presentation, and a fitness-and-wellness swimwear event. The judges then ask one final question to determine a candidate's overall readiness to serve. Although participating in pageants can be difficult, Katie prepares by meditating, listening to uplifting music, and focusing on joy. "I'm going to make friends," said Katie, with each new pageant, and then went on to say she likes focusing on the sisterhood and building confidence in the young women she meets.

Behind The Five Points of the Miss Volunteer Crown is the Acronym S.E.R.V.E. ¹

The Miss Volunteer organization supports young women in earning scholarships, pursuing education, embracing responsibility, engaging in volunteerism, and gaining empowerment.

Katie's Pageant Journey and More

Katie is a talented musician who has been studying the piano for over ten years. During both pageants, her talent showcases included playing Gigue from Partita No. 1 by J.S. Bach, a lively Baroque dance. Miss Ferry, as an elementary education student at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, is not just focused on her studies. She is also considering her future plans, which may include competing in additional events and mentoring other young women. Katie's optimism shines through when she says, "Pageants are hard but worth it!"

Photo: Microsoft stock images.

Pictured Below: Katie Ferry, Miss Summit County Volunteer, and Taylor Staley, Miss Summit County Teen Volunteer.

Photo Credits: Stolen Moments Photography by Brittany Miller.

The Miss Volunteer Teen Pageant is a prestigious event empowering young women through scholarship, volunteerism, service, and education.

Taylor Staley of Hoytsville Crowned Miss Summit County Teen Volunteer

Building a Future with Positive Female Role Models

Taylor emphasizes the importance of effective communication between contestants and judges during pageant competition. Winners excel at articulating their thoughts clearly and confidently, both in interviews and on stage. This ability to express oneself persuasively and authentically greatly influences judges' perceptions and decisions. 17-year-old Taylor Staley is just such a communicator. In her six-minute interview, she obviously impressed the decision-makers with her theme: "Promoting Positive Female Role Models."

One of Taylor's mentors and role models is Leslie Jara, Co-Owner/CEO of Allegiant Dance Crew. Dance has always been one of Miss Staley's passions. "It's a life skill that's shaped me," she said when she spoke with North Summit News in a recent interview. She went on to say that although it can be nerve-racking, "It brings me a whole new confidence." The emotional aspect of storytelling (through dance) is what Taylor believes convinced the judges of her willingness and grit to compete effectively. "They really took the time to get to know me," she said.

Pictured Below: Taylor Staley, Miss Summit County Teen Volunteer. Photo Credits: Stolen Moments Photography by Brittany Miller

In the pageant, Taylor danced to a pre-recorded original soundtrack composed and recorded by her brother, Carter Staley. It's titled, "How Do I Say Goodbye." (Carter, unable to attend the pageant, is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines.) She choreographed the dance herself. Taylor has also given a vocal performance at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on Broadway in New York City, in conjunction with a theatre production.

Her Journey of Fundraising, Service, and Education

Not only is Miss Staley dedicated to the arts and dance, but she's also very service-oriented. During her competition, she participated in fundraising and service projects, including a clothing drive for children and families, a pickleball tournament (Rally for Role Models), and even a suicide awareness gala event (Dance for Life).

Taylor, currently in CNA training, is on a path to become a registered nurse. Her goal is to make a real difference in people's lives as a healthcare provider. She passionately encourages all young women to find the confidence to discover who they are, empowering them to pursue their dreams.

Sources: Jennilyn Ferry, Katie Ferry, Heather Staley, Taylor Ferry, missutahvolunteer.org

Celebrating 35 Years of Holiday Boutique Magic in Coalville

Kathi Richins celebrates favorite memories and milestones from her iconic holiday boutique on November 14th and 15th.

By Shaun Powis, North Summit News Editor

Where to Shop for Unique Christmas Gifts: Crafty Ideas for Home Accents and Decor

Save the Dates; Discover Talented Local Vendors

It all began with Kathi's first Holiday Boutique on October 27, 1990, held at her own home. Her husband, Albert, was a general contractor by trade, and Kathi had a thought: "I could use my husband's saws and tools for crafting and creating." This idea led to the creation of her business, Wood-N-Stuff, where she would make home decor to sell to the public. She now celebrates her 35th year and has articulate records and photos from her past events. If you can cut it, stitch it, paint it, or craft it, Kathi can create it.

Kathi told North Summit News that she hosts her Holiday Boutique in the mall directly behind Zions Bank each November, featuring other vendors who also sell their special gifts. Please visit her event from 9 am to 7 pm on Friday, November 14th, and Saturday, November 15th, in Coalville.

More About Kathi

As a young woman, she enjoyed putting puzzles together with her dad, and later enjoyed crafting and creating. Later she took a tole painting class from Trudy Geary, where she gained additional skills. She's always had the attitude of, "I can do that!" That's how her passion began to grow. Her boutique is one of several in the area. If you’re a holiday shopper or simply a lover of quality handmade creations, these local events are wonderful opportunities you won’t want to miss:

• Hennefer, Utah on the 24th and 25th of October
• Morgan, Utah, on November 7th and 8th
• Coalville, Utah, on November 14th and 15th
• Oakley, Utah, on December 5th and 6th



Whether you're searching for handmade wooden crafts, hand-stitched household items, or unique gifts, the Coalville Holiday Boutique offers shoppers a chance to interact with artists and learn the stories behind their creations.

Photo Credit: Kathi Richins

How B Floral Bloomed from a Tiny Idea

The Entrepreneurial Journey of Brena (Richins) Valle and Her Husband, Goose

By Shaun Powis, North Summit News Editor

Brena recently told North Summit News that it all started back in High School after an FFA-sponsored floral design class got her going. Her sister recognized her talent, so she pursued a degree in horticulture at Brigham Young University in Idaho. Later, she discovered that the floral shop in her hometown of Coalville was for sale. She then launched B Floral in 2018, located in the smaller building attached to the Summit Mercantile, pictured below.

Image sources: B Floral, Deseret News, Summit Mercantile, and George Beard Digital Collections from the BYU Library.

Small Touches That Make Shoppers Stay and Buy

According to Brena, "Flowers are not the only thing I sell at my flower shop. I have recently expanded to include boutique products, such as clothing, jewelry, and select home decor items. Slowly but surely, these items will make it to my website. I appreciate your support! It really means the world to me!"

Petals and Polish, Community Care with a Florist Wife and Detailer Husband

Brena is not the Only Entrepreneur in the Family: How Gustavo "Goose" Valle Conceived of a Car Detailing Business

The story behind Valle Mobile Detailing

By Shaun Powis, North Summit News Editor

Brena's husband, Goose, was working at Moore's Tires in Coalville. After seeing the inside of customers' cars, he launched the idea of a local, mobile car detailing business. The couple invested money into equipment, and Valle Mobile Detailing was born. Now, with multiple five-star reviews under the hood, he continues to keep local cars shining and interiors dazzling.

Car detailing is more than just a cleaning—it's an intensive process that revitalizes both the interior and exterior of any vehicle. According to customers, Goose expertly removes dirt, grime, stains, and imperfections, transforming their vehicle's appearance and significantly improving its resale value—your car deserves it!

Moore's Chevron Gets a Makeover

How the Family's Business in Coalville Continues to Improve

By Shaun Powis, North Summit News Editor

Photo: Powis Principles. LLC

In 1969, fresh out of high school, Tommy Moore leased the AMOCO service station in Coalville with an option to buy it. Then, in 1972, he purchased a dump truck, which they converted into a more modern wrecker for the family towing business.

Images: Moore's Towing

Over the years, the company has experienced significant growth, with numerous family members contributing to its success. Today, Moore's Towing is a North Summit icon, with a retail store that recently expanded into what was once its service bays. It offers a broader range of convenience store items and food to its customers. Letters and cards have flooded the station (and towing business) for decades praising the "Small Town America Feeling" the family and its employees provide.