Category: Miss USA

The words of Kendyl Bell:

"Miss USA has given me the opportunity to be apart of something bigger than myself.  Recently, my older brother was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of colon cancer.  This has sparked my desire to use my title to advocate awareness and share the message to live strong, keep fighting, and never give up!"

Kendyl Carol Bell graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in communication.  During her studies at BYU, she was selected to be part of an internship program for the Utah State Senate.  The following year, she was asked to be Intermountain HealthCare’s intern during the legislative session, which set off her political career. Kendyl currently works with the municipal government in Utah as the Community Outreach Manager for Republic Services, focusing on recycling program implementation.

Kendyl also works as a Zumba instructor for various gyms in the Salt Lake Valley and has been a licensed instructor since October 2008.  She loves working out to all of the Latin rhythms, especially salsa.

In March 2011, Kendyl visited Peru to help provide free medical and dental care for the Peruvians in villages.  Additionally, Kendyl spent a month in Zambia, Africa making bricks, building schools, providing care for those suffering from AIDS, and playing with children. Her philanthropic work expanded following her diagnosis with Asthma at 17, when she began volunteering for the American Lung Association.  In 2008, she was given the Volunteer of the Year Award by the national American Lung Association for her Asthma education program, Blue Balloon Day that raised over $50,000 and reached 33,000 students

After losing her grandmother to Breast Cancer seven weeks before the Miss Utah USA competition, Kendyl would like to dedicate her year as Miss Utah USA to those affected by Breast Cancer. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In Sheena's own words:

"Being a Miss USA contestant has been the greatest journey of my life!  Each day leading to Miss USA is filled with breathtaking anticipation, beautiful moments, incredible opportunities...and LOTS of excitement!"

Sheena Monnin holds a bachelor’s degree in human service and a master’s degree in psychology. Sheena would like to continue her journey in higher education by returning to school to earn a Doctorate of Theology. One of her greatest accomplishments is that she has earned the second highest degree of public speaking in Toastmasters International.

Sheena’s philanthropic work includes giving her time to support the Bethlehem Haven Homeless Shelter and Operation Christmas Child.

Sheena enjoys hiking, exploring new places, and learning about earth and social science. Sheena believes her strongest talent is being an attentive and heartfelt listener. Sheena describes herself as persistent, focused and compassionate. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In the words of Jamie Dragon:

"I feel that everything happens for a reason and I am always in the right moment at the right time. I welcome every opportunity."

Jamie Lynn Dragon is the owner and stylist of Lush Boutique in Stowe. She believes her strongest talent is her work as a hair stylist. She takes her work beyond just giving a hairstyle; Jamie says her salon focuses on empowering women and enabling them to feel confident in their own skin. She stays actively involved in her community by donating her stylist skills to the Women Helping Battered Women organization. Another way she likes to give her time is to volunteer for animal rescue.

Jamie looks forward to not only helping the Miss Vermont USA Competition grow, but also looks forward to putting Vermont on the map at the 2012 Miss USA Competition. Her favorite hobbies include running, hiking, yoga, reading and leading a healthy lifestyle. She describes herself as motivated, tenacious, and fun. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy

  

In Andrea's very own words:

"I am goal oriented, a team player, and an eternal optimist who looks for the good in people and expects the best of myself."

Andrea Rogers is currently working toward her master’s degree in marketing communications at West Virginia University. She says that earning a marketing degree provides her with the necessary marketing skills to help promote The Miss Universe Organization through raising awareness of the ideals and values on which the organization stands. While attending school, she is also working as a special education teacher at Berkeley County Schools. Andrea says her strongest talent is the ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations, including children with special needs. Another experience that helped foster her ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations is when she spent an in entire summer studying in Italy.

Andrea is an active member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Her favorite hobbies include studying, teaching dance, snow skiing, traveling and cooking. She describes herself as multifaceted, passionate and optimistic. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In Jessica's own words:

"Be kinder than necessary to everyone you encounter, for you do not know what they may have faced before crossing paths with you."

As a child, Jessica Kazmierczak moved all over the state. She lived mostly in small towns and rural villages that were sometimes only accessible by dog sled or airplane and had populations of less than 1,000 people. She spent most of her childhood living in a log cabin, without electricity or running water. Her family grew and hunted almost everything they ate.

Despite being from a small town and having an unusual childhood, Jessica still has had numerous opportunities to see, influence, and change the world. She competed in the Junior Olympics and the Arctic Winter Games for cross country skiing. Jessica attended Mississippi State University for an exchange semester and represented the U.S. as a student ambassador to Europe.

From all of her experiences, Jessica learned that it doesn’t matter what your background is or where you are from; opportunities are endless. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In Megan's own words:

"As I compete for the Miss USA title, I will be thinking not only of the personal achievements that have gotten me there, but I will also be inspired and motivated by the achievements of the state of Indiana. Seeing the perseverance of my fellow Hoosiers through the destruction caused by the tornadoes in Henryville has given my title and success new meaning."

Megan Myrehn’s future plans include receiving her Master of Business Administration degree and owning her own business. This spring, she became the first undergraduate marketing intern to work at Eli Lilly and Company.

Megan feels passionately about literacy and believes that everyone should be given a chance to serve as a productive member of society. Megan believes her strongest talent is her ability to accept and utilize constructive criticism. Her favorite hobbies include running, reading, and swimming. Megan describes herself as adventurous, perceptive, and conscientious. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)