The Miss Utah Scholarship Organization is pleased to announce the impressive individuals who will select Miss Utah 2025. The new Miss Utah will represent the Miss Utah Scholarship Organization throughout the state, receive over $15,000 in scholarships to the school of her choice, and sponsorships from a variety of local businesses. She will also represent Utah at the Miss America Competition in September.
Each judge comes with a specific background that will help select the woman who will best represent the Miss Utah and Miss America brands. Meet the Miss Utah 2025 Judges below:
Marianne Bales Thompson
Marianne Bales Thompson has vast experience in the performing arts — from music, voice, and dance to fashion, drama, acting, and pageantry. After serving as Miss Utah 1987, she studied Fashion Merchandising at Utah Valley University and dance at BYU. Marianne went on to pursue a career in costume design, and currently is the Costume Director for BYU’s ballet department. She and her husband have raised five daughters and have seven grandchildren.
Markham Miller
Markham Miller has volunteered with Miss America for 38 years and has judged state competitions in 17 states. He studied Communication Arts and Broadcasting at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he traveled the country as part of the award-winning UAB Speech and Debate Team. Markham currently serves as the Senior Director of Development for the University of California San Francisco Foundation. He also is an avid runner and has completed 35 marathons.
Kara Sandberg
Kara Sandberg has collaborated with numerous Tony, Emmy, and Award winning artists, choreographers, and directors. While living in New York City, she spent several years performing as a Radio City Rockette, and was a member of the original Broadway cast of Disney’s “Tarzan.” Kara holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the BYU Marriott School of Management and currently teaches and choreographs for numerous programs and universities across the country.
Sara Jones
Sara Jones is the founder and CEO of InclusionPro. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah and a Juris Doctorate Degree from Brigham Young University. She also co-founded the Women Tech Council in 2007 and serves on the Utah Workforce Development Board and the National Association of Corporate Directors Utah Chapter Board. Sara is a renowned speaker, and her personal TED Talk has over 2 million views.
Mario Good
Mario Good spent 25 years as an actor on stage, screen, and television. He studied theater at South Carolina State University and now serves as an educator and owner of GOOD Acting Studio in Marietta, Georgia, where he mentors beginner and professional actors. In 2015, Mario was commissioned by the Prime Minister of Bermuda to write and direct the acclaimed play, “Hamilton RISE.” He enjoys giving back through mentoring and is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Associations.
Alana Burns
Alana Burns is a licensed real estate agent and broker. She was crowned Miss Nevada 2011 and spent her year of service promoting the United States Armed Forces, encouraging political involvement and patriotism, and working to increase voter registration. Alana has also worked as a reporter, news anchor, and production coordinator for Wayne Newton’s official documentary. She resides in southeast Idaho with her husband and three children.
Michael Golden
Michael Golden has volunteered with Miss America for over 35 years and has judged 20 state competitions across the country. He currently serves as Vice Chairman and State Judges Chair for the Miss North Carolina Organization. Mike recently retired after a 40-year career with Wells Fargo that spanned the East Coast. He and his wife divide their time between Winston Salem, North Carolina and Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
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Learn more about the Miss Utah 2025 schedule of events, competition, and more here.