By Shaun Delliskave|[email protected]

In a first for the Miss Murray Scholarship Competition, a former Murray Little Miss has been named Miss Murray. Emma Robison was crowned Miss Murray 2023 on Oct. 23. Usually, the annual competition is held in the summer. This year, however, plans for the pageant were put on hold so that organizers could find a new director after the unexpected loss of Leesa Lloyd.

Robison was crowned during an emotional night that featured a tribute to Lloyd from previous dance students and Miss Murrays. Robison is a freshman majoring in business at Brigham Young University. Like her parents, Ken and Amber Robison, she graduated from Murray High School. As a competitive dancer, she aspires to open a Pilates studio and design fitness apparel. Currently, she is authoring a cookbook of oatmeal recipes.

Q: What inspired you to enter the pageant?

A: I have been attending the Miss Murray Pageant since I was 8 years old, and when I was 9 years old, I was crowned Murray’s Little Miss and was lucky enough to be mentored by Miss Murray 2014, McCall Gray, and I have wanted to compete ever since.

Ms. Lloyd invited me to attend the information meeting last year, and I went. I was excited to compete but couldn’t because I was already a title holder, Distinguished Young Woman of Murray. In May, I became eligible to compete for my current title.

 

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

A: When they announced, “and your new Miss Murray 2023, candidate No. 6 Emma Robison,” I was in shock. This is something that I have worked incredibly hard for, and the moment it became a reality seemed a little surreal. I am beyond grateful for the tribe of women it took to prepare me for this incredible opportunity.

 

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

A: I have learned that hard work pays off, to trust my gut and never give up, that I can do hard things…, and to be grateful for the big things and the little things. Also, if it’s meant to be, it will be. A year ago, I dreamed of being a BYU Cougarette but had a very clear impression that there was another path for me, and that collegiate dancing wasn’t in my future.

 

Q: What is your platform as Miss Murray?

A: As a child, one of my most influential moments was coming home to (paper) hearts completely covering my door (sometimes referred to as a “heart attack”) at a moment when I needed to feel loved. At that moment, I realized I wanted to spread the love that I felt, and that small act of service blossomed into an initiative that has blessed my life and countless others. My initiative is “serve others selflessly” (SOS). Commonly known as a signal of distress, we can use this initiative to notice distress in others and take action to show we care. SOS initiates, organizes, and implements acts of kindness and promotes awareness of the needs of those around us. I plan to expand SOS to all Murray schools and hopefully beyond. We learn to look out, “heart attack” (express love), and serve. We will also organize monthly service projects for Murray City. The first event is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Murray Library; everyone is welcome.

 

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 dad is the most genuine person I have ever met; I have never heard him say anything unkind or raise his voice. He protects my mom fiercely and has always encouraged me to be the change I want to see in the world. My mom is the most selfless and hard-working woman I know. She has adopted more teenagers than I can even count. She truly does see the best in others and encourages them to live up to their potential. My brother is a quiet and gentle giant. He has taught me how to serve others selflessly and withhold judgment.

One of the most meaningful things I have done is work with Make-A-Wish Foundation. Last year, I raised money for little Evie, who dreamed of being Clara in “The Nutcracker.” I dedicated three weeks straight to babysitting as much as I possibly could, sometimes one family right after another. I took that time off from dance and social engagements. The night we presented her with the money we had raised was so overwhelming. She was also declared cancer free the night before, and we all celebrated with a princess party.