Hello, Utah!! My name is Paris Matthews, and I am honored to be Miss Utah 2024 and to represent this beautiful state.
I love the Miss America Opportunity and am ecstatic to serve Utah this year with my whole heart. To help you to get to know me better, here are 10 facts about me!
1. Education is vital to me
I am a proud alumni of the University of Utah, where I graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a Child Life Emphasis and minor in Health Promotion Education.
Throughout my undergraduate career, I was part of the LEAP scholars cohort service learning program where I volunteered in title I ESL schools and the Neighborhood House Adult Day Center. This is where my love for service really blossomed.
Another influential part of my undergraduate experience was being part of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, where I honed in on my leadership skills on council, made lifelong friendships, and participated in service and philanthropy with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Reading is Fundamental.
Now, I am halfway through my Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration through Colorado Technical University! I am so grateful for the Miss America Opportunity for supporting my scholastic endeavors.
2. I have danced my whole life
I have been a competitive dancer since I was 3 years old. I grew up dancing 4-5 days a week, and attending dance conventions and competitions nearly every weekend during the dance season.
Once I began high school, I was on the drill team for 4 years. I was on Cottonwood High School’s drill team my freshman year while I was in middle school, and Brighton High School’s drill team for 3.
Fun fact: my drill team coach from my Sophomore year choreographed my Miss Utah talent dance!
I love performing, and I can NOT wait to perform on the Miss America stage!
3. I am a certified Child Life Specialist
I work as a child life specialist in the Emergency Department at Primary Children’s Hospital SLC.
Child life specialists are pediatric health care professionals who work with children and families in hospitals and other settings to help them cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, and disability.
This job is my dream come true! To become a certified child life specialist, I completed a 120 hour practicum at Primary Children’s, and worked at five different hospitals in Sweden. I also completed a 600 hour clinical internship in Rochester, NY at Golisano Children’s Hospital in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. I have cleithrophobia
Cleithrophobia is the fear of being trapped or locked in a space. I have a terrible fear of getting stuck in elevators. During my first Miss Utah competition, I was on the 12th floor of the hotel, and took the stairs several times a day to my room! Here’s to hoping I’m on a lower floor for Miss America. 😉
5. I love personality typing
I love astrology and personality typing! I am a proud Gemini, and Type II enneagram!
Gemini: curious, communicative, intelligent, adaptable, impulsive, & indecisive
Type II enneagram: empathetic, helpful, people pleasing, sensitive to criticism
6. I’m a big music girl!
Music has always been a fun way for me to unwind and have fun! Going to concerts is one of my favorite pastimes and I try to go to several a year! Some of my favorite concerts this year that I’ve been to are Madison Beer, Taylor Swift, Noah Kahan, and Olivia Rodrigo.
7. Being outside is my happy place
My favorite self care activities are hiking and paddle boarding! I love living so close to the mountains. I love the state of Utah and how many different landscapes are around us!
8. “Big Sis” is my favorite title of all
I’ve held many titles in my life, but I think my favorite one is Big Sister!! My sister and I are 3 years apart. We were able to be on Brighton High Drill Team together my senior year, and in the same sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, my senior year of college. Someone please help me convince her to do pageants!
9. I’m a triathlete
Staying fit and healthy is very important for me! For many years in college, I was overweight, and decided it was time for me to start living a healthier lifestyle, in part thanks to the Miss America Opportunity.
Now, I participate in triathlons, and try to attend a group fitness class daily! I love indoor cycling, boxing, and yoga. One day, I hope to complete a half marathon and am trying to enjoy running more.
10. Relation to Miss Utah 1945, Dorothy Holohan Andrus
Recently, I became interested in the genealogy and of my family history, and I learned that I am related to Miss Utah 1945, Dorothy Holohan! She is my paternal grandfather’s cousin. This was such a cool fact to learn before winning the title of Miss Utah, after competing in this program for 8 years and not knowing. It must run in the family!
