By Shaun Delliskave | [email protected]

An aspiring accountant studying at Brigham Young University was named Miss Murray 2020, Sept. 21, at Murray High School. Sarah Nelson, a Murray High School graduate, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship at the pageant, which she will apply towards finishing her degree at the Marriott School of Business at BYU.

In addition to being Miss Murray, Nelson belongs to the Beta Alpha Psi accounting society and is a member of the Women in Business group. She is also fluent in Swedish, which she learned as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Q: What inspired you to enter the pageant?

A: I first competed for Miss Murray when I was a senior at Murray High School. I was an attendant that year and loved my experiences. I walked away from that experience, not having won but gaining more poise, confidence, and a desire to have my year to serve the Murray community. The timing was never right to do it again until this year.

Q: What was it like to be named Miss Murray?

A: Everyone sees videos of people winning competitions, and it can be hard to relate to how they’re feeling. It is only when you put the work in, and your name is called on stage that it feels real! I feel so grateful to be crowned this year’s Miss Murray.

Q: What have you learned about yourself during the process?

A: I have learned how much dedication means to me! I started something five years ago that I was able to finish this year, and it feels so good!

Q: What is your platform as Miss Murray?

A: Girls, Let STEM Blossom Your Future. This initiative is focused on exciting, energizing, and starting the conversation with girls about the opportunities in STEM pathways.

Q: What inspired your choice of platform?

A: I have found so much joy in receiving higher education in a technical STEM-related field. It is empowering to be a woman in such a field. It is an exciting time for women to be more involved in the cutting-edge innovations of the future.

Q: What is something interesting we should know about you?

A: I absolutely love music! Playing piano is the talent I performed in this competition. One of my favorite hobbies is to go to live music concerts. I love going to smaller venues, so the concerts feel more intimate. I go to a few a month with friends who love them as much as I do.

Q: Tell us about family and friends who were influential to you, and what are some of the most meaningful things they have done?

A: My parents (Geneal and Russell Nelson) have been my biggest supporters throughout this whole process. I’m grateful for their endless advice, mock interviews, crafting answers about current events and politics, picking my wardrobe, online shopping for the perfect details, listening to me practice piano late at night and believing in me. They grew to care about this opportunity because they knew how much it means to me. My dad even hemmed one of my gowns the night before the competition, so I wouldn’t trip walking on stage for my talent. I couldn’t have done this without them.

One of my dearest friends and biggest cheerleaders is Janis Rowser. She has been an incredible piano teacher over the years. We’ve been to many competitions together. She has the best suggestions and ideas for me. We have remained friends even though I’ve moved away for university, and I am so grateful for her love and support with all of my life’s endeavors.

Another dear person in my life to support me through this is Mary Horne. She has believed in me since I competed for this the first time. Her loving notes of encouragement and praise have kept me going even though she is on the other side of the world.