Miss Panoramalands Heartfelt Mission: Empowering Hospitalized Children Through Power of Play
Miss Utah’s Heartfelt Mission: Empowering Hospitalized Children
By Senior Editor
The Miss Utah pageant is more than just a beauty contest—it’s a platform for inspiring young women to make a meaningful impact. This year, the newly crowned Miss Panoramaland, Paris Matthews, has set her sights on a mission close to her heart: empowering hospitalized children.
Power of Play: Advocacy for Young Patients
Matthews, a Child Life Specialist at Primary Children’s Hospital, knows firsthand the challenges that hospitalized children face. Her community service initiative, “Power of Play – Advocating for Hospitalized Children,” aims to provide comfort and support to these young patients during a difficult time.
“Play is a powerful tool that can help hospitalized children cope with their illness, reduce stress, and promote healing,” Matthews explains. “Through this initiative, I want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of play.”
A Journey of Compassion and Service
Matthews’ passion for helping children stems from her own experiences. “I grew up volunteering at a local children’s hospital, and it forever changed my perspective,” she says. “Seeing the resilience and strength of these young patients inspired me to dedicate my life to supporting them.”
As Miss Utah, Matthews plans to use her platform to raise awareness about the importance of play in the hospital setting. She will advocate for policies that prioritize children’s well-being and provide training to hospital staff on the benefits of play therapy.
A Role Model for Young Women
Matthews’ dedication to serving others is an inspiration to young women across Utah. She believes that beauty is more than just physical appearance—it’s about kindness, compassion, and making a difference in the world.
“Miss Utah represents not only a physical ideal but also a woman of substance, a role model who gives back to her community,” Matthews says. “I hope that my journey will inspire others to find their passion and use their lives to make a positive impact.”
Empowering Children, One Play at a Time
Matthews’ vision for “Power of Play” extends beyond her reign as Miss Utah. She hopes to create a lasting legacy that will continue to empower hospitalized children and make their hospital stays less daunting.
“Every child deserves to feel joy, hope, and happiness, regardless of their circumstances,” she says. “Through this initiative, I want to create a ripple effect of smiles and laughter that will reverberate across our state and beyond.”
As Miss Utah, Paris Matthews is poised to make a significant contribution to the lives of children in her community. Her “Power of Play” initiative is a testament to her compassion, determination, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of play.