Find Out the First Miss America Winner from Your State

#44: Miss Utah, 1985 — Sharlene Wells

Sharlene Wells gave Utah its first Miss America crown in 1985. Born in Paraguay to American parents, she moved to Utah as a teenager and represented the state with confidence, faith, and poise. Her bilingual abilities and international upbringing made her stand out among her peers.

During her reign, she focused on patriotic service and later became a sports journalist for ESPN, covering horse racing and outdoor events. Wells proved that Miss America could be worldly and multifaceted, giving Utah a winner with both brains and global perspective.