KAYSVILLE — For these women, the service is more important than the crown.

The Miss Davis County Scholarship Pageant, set for July 16 at 7 p.m. at Davis High School, gives local young women the chance to focus on an issue and show their dedication to service in the community.

“A reigning Miss Davis County offers many hours of community service to events and residents within the 15 cities in Davis County,” said Natalie Murray, director of the pageant. “Miss Davis County represents the positive attributes, places, and functions that emphasize Davis County’s exceptional quality of life.”

Ciera Pekarcik, last year’s Miss Davis County winner, was involved in several volunteer projects throughout the county in her tenure as both Miss Farmington and Miss Davis County.

With a platform of “Find Yourself Through Service,” Pekarcik sponsored last year’s “Farmington’s Got Talent” competition, donating all the money from ticket sales to the Children’s Justice Center. She was also involved in various events including Arbor Day tree plantings, and Shop With A Cop.

At the July 16 pageant, a new representative for county service will be chosen. Though there will be traditional pageant elements, such as the swimsuit and evening gown competitions, the interview portion allows the contestants to focus on local and world issues and offer a glimpse of how they might improve the world if given the chance.

Winners will receive scholarship money to help with their education. Since the pageant is part of the Miss America program, contestants will also get the chance to share their voices in later competitions.

Pekarcik was named second runner-up in the Miss Utah 2011 scholarship pageant. Jill Stevens (now Jill Stevens Shepherd), the 2007 Miss Davis County winner, went on to be named Miss Utah and an “America’s Choice” finalist for the 2008 Miss America Pageant.

“Miss America participants provide more than 500,000 hours of service,” said Murray. “They take part in over 12,000 community service projects each year.”

Tickets are $8 in advance, and can be purchased from any contestant or by emailing missdaviscountypageant@gmail.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for $10.

jwardell@davisclipper.com