The Mr. SUU and Miss SUU pageants have been beloved traditions at SUU for several years. Cyrita Lee won the title of Miss SUU, and Mr. SUU was won by Jared Cooksey. Mr. SUU took place last week on Sept. 20, 2019, and Miss SUU took place Sept. 24.
For these winners this year, it’s far more than just a title and a bouquet of flowers. Both Miss SUU and Mr. SUU, want to personally influence SUU for the better, and make some positive changes.
Miss SUU, Cyrita Lee, was thrilled with the whole experience. Lee is a senior Psychology major from the small town of Ashton, Idaho.
Lee shares how it was a dream come true for her being in the Miss SUU pageant in the first place, “I’ve always wanted to be in a pageant because I love theater and being on stage.”
The dream was only heightened when she met the other female contestants. “I made seven new friends through this process, I think that’s the greatest thing about this,” Lee shared.
Lee wants to make a difference at SUU by helping students know how and where to get emotional help when they need it.
“It’s okay to not be okay,” Lee said. “Vulnerability is a strength. Im hoping that I can help others across campus see that life sucks sometimes. That light will come back … if you just reach out and ask one person because so many people are here to help and support you.”
Jared Cooksey, a junior Psychology and Economics double major from Kaysville Utah, is our crowned Mr. SUU. Jared loved the opportunity to represent the men here at SUU. Cooksey’s prime goal is to spread SUU pride by pushing ‘Red Fridays’ and getting more students to attend our events.
Like Lee, Cooksey really enjoyed the experience as a whole.
“The audience was amazing, the other competitors were absolutely breathtaking and extremely talented,” Cooksey said. “The love I felt from the student body, as well as from all of the people who supported me, has helped me gain confidence both in myself and in my ability to represent the school.”
Mr. and Miss SUU will be in the Homecoming parade this Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019.
Story by: Moriah Spainhower
news@suunews.net
Photos courtesy of: Christopher Diamond
