Tooele woman crowned Miss Amazing Utah, headed to national competition

Tooele woman crowned Miss Amazing Utah, headed to national competition

(Trudi Hunt)


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TOOELE — On March 22, 29-year-old Holli Hunt found herself onstage in front of many admirers, as a crown was placed on her head and she was named Miss Amazing Utah.

As Hunt sat in disbelief, her family and friends cheered on, knowing that she was, in fact, amazing.

Since she was born with spina bifida, doctors told her parents Hunt would never walk. According to her mother, Trudi Hunt, it was early on in life that her daughter showed a spirit of determination.

“From the beginning Holli was a fighter,” Trudi Hunt said. “Though her condition was bleak, we refused to accept the prognosis from many doctors.”

After years of rigorous physical therapy, Holli Hunt began walking with the aid of a walker and eventually advanced to leg and forearm braces, often able to leave her walker behind.

Growing up, she enjoyed swimming, and she was taught by local swimmer Mark Imai. She was even able to ride a hand-pedaled bike, which her dad built so she could keep up with her siblings.

When it came time to drive, that milestone was achieved in a car modified with hand controls — again, built by her dad.

“Holli could be easily spotted driving her friends in her green VW Bug,” Trudi Hunt said.

Holly Hunt was crowned Miss Amazing Utah. She will travel to 
Nebraska for the national pageant in August. (Photo: Trudi Hunt)
Holly Hunt was crowned Miss Amazing Utah. She will travel to Nebraska for the national pageant in August. (Photo: Trudi Hunt)

“Holli loves kids and is often found tending her nieces and nephews,” her mother said. “She participates in a bowling league, loves to go boating and shopping, and is active in her church and community. She doesn't let her disability slow her down and has been known to say, ‘What disability?’”

This determination grew as Holli Hunt got older. She now lives independently and works at Cinema 9 in Tooele, where she can often be seen driving her wheelchair, whatever the weather, to and from work.

Knowing Holli Hunt's personality and story, a patron at Cinema 9 approached her about entering the Miss Amazing Pageant, "a program that gives girls and young women with disabilities the opportunity to build self- confidence in a supportive environment," according to the program's website.

Hunt demurred initially, saying, “I can’t be in a pageant. I’m not cute enough."

But then, with her usual enthusiasm, she did agree to enter, putting her heart and soul into the effort.

And on that March evening, Hunt was able to express herself beautifully. After she dressed in evening wear, confidently answered questions and demonstrated great wheelchair ability (popping wheelies across the stage), the judges officially dubbed her "amazing."

“With no expectation other than to make new friends and have fun, no one was more surprised than Holli when she was crowned queen,” said her mother.

With her new title, Hunt will be given many opportunities throughout the year to serve and give back to the community. She will also be traveling with her mother to Omaha, Nebraska, in August for the national Miss Amazing Pageant, so she is now working hard to raise the money for her travel expenses.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Holli,” Trudi Hunt said. “She truly is amazing.”

There will be a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gines Auto, 4261 W. 5415 South, in Kearns. You can also donate to an account* that has been set up at www.gofundme.com/hollihunt, or contact Trudi Hunt at trudihunt@gmail.com.


Arianne Brown is a mother of six who loves running the beautiful trails around Utah. For more articles by her, "like" her Facebook page by searching "A Mother's Write" or visit her blogs, timetofititin.com or thestoriesofyourlife.wordpress.com. *ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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