By Shaun Delliskave | [email protected]

Murray resident Sophie Lowry was crowned queen of the Days of ’47 for 2021 by the International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers in March of this year. The honor included a $3,000 scholarship from the DUP. 

Lowry will represent the state of Utah, Days of ’47 and ISDUP. Throughout the year of her reign, she will promote the legacy of the Utah Pioneers and Utah’s collective heritage of community involvement. The royalty speaks at public gatherings about the early settlers of Utah. 

“I am a representative for the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and the Days of ’47 Inc. In this role, I attend all of the Days of ’47 events as well as represent the state by attending DUP and SUP events and speaking to various youth groups about the pioneers and how the pioneer spirit is alive today,” Lowry said.

Some of the events she has already participated in include the Pioneer Day sunrise service at Temple Square and the acceptance of a donated historical artifact for the Pioneer Memorial Museum. 

Majoring in marketing, Lowry also serves as an Eccles School of Business ambassador and is the school’s Student Organizations Liaison for student government this upcoming school year.

“I have always had a desire to do a pageant,” Lowry said. “When I read about the Days of ’47, I thought it was very special that they allowed you to serve while also getting to learn more about my family history and the history of the Utah pioneers. I thought it was a great opportunity to serve many people in my state.”

Idaho and Utah residents compete in the pageant. Contestents, between the ages of 18 and 25, must be a descendant of a Utah pioneer who came into or was born in Utah between July 24, 1847 and May 10, 1869.

Lowry was chosen during a scholarship competition completed on March 26 at the Pioneer Memorial Museum (300 N. Main St.). She was evaluated by a panel of judges based on written responses and video submissions centered on this year’s theme, “Pioneer Spirit-Alive Today!” Judges evaluated her goals, accomplishments, poise and leadership. 

“My mom, Stacy Harrop Lowry, was Miss Murray in 1996 and always said it helped her become the woman she is today. I thought it would be wonderful to have a similar experience, and she has been my biggest support, coming to all of my events and walking all of the parades.

“My dad, Jeremy Lowry, has always been a huge support to me. He is one of a kind and has been able to get into whatever I was interested in, and this has been no exception. He was a great support to me in helping me practice for all of my events and cheering me on.”

She also credits her siblings Sarie, David and Susie for their backing. “Sarie is my best friend and has been the biggest support to me. She has done so many things to help me during my reign and has been there every step of the way,” Lowry said.

As queen, Lowry will have a yearlong commitment through April of next year. Once her reign is over, she will graduate from the University of Utah in the summer of 2022. She plans to continue there in the Master of Real Estate Development program.

“I love meeting new people. Getting to make new friends and talking to so many kids has been my highlight. I love seeing their faces light up as I ask them about themselves and getting to know them,” Lowry said.