International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, in partnership with Days of 47, Inc., announced the 2023 royalty: Katie Ann Powell, Queen; Holly Biesinger, First Attendant; and Kianna Behunin, Second Attendant.

Queen, Katie Ann Powell is a professional harpist, studied at the University of Utah and Redlands school of music. She was an anchor and reporter on BYU Universe Live News. She is currently serving as the executive director of the Granite Credit Union Foundation empowering women by teaching them personal finance. She is the founder and host of the Full Confidence Ahead Podcast. In August she will start her MBA at the University of Utah. She sang for the Real Soccer preshow and can perform rope tricks. Katie Ann is the daughter of Douglas Lester and Stephanie Joy Powell of Sandy, Utah.

First Attendant, Holly Biesinger is a senior attending Southern Utah State University on a full-ride academic scholarship. She has a double major in History and Art Education, Holly is a professional artist trained in many mediums. She is a swimmer, having competitively played water polo for much of her life, in addition to being a coach for many sports. Holly plays the piano, ukulele and sings when she isn’t sculpting, painting, drawing, sewing or creating in various capacities. The examples of her pioneer ancestors give her hope, strength and knowledge that hard things can be overcome. Holly is the daughter of Karl Paul and Deborah Biesinger of West Valley City.

Second Attendant, Kianna Behunin is a dental assistant, studying to become a dental hygienist at Salt Lake Community College. Kianna has been dancing since the age of three and has been trained in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and lyrical. Her rigorous dance training allowed her to dance in the Nutcracker at Ballet West and other leading roles in studio productions. She has been able to teach and work with young dancers and hopes to inspire them to find a passion in doing something they love. She was a member of a track team and continues to participate in races when she has the opportunity to do so. Kianna is the daughter of Ben and Julianna Behunin of Riverton, Utah.

The trio was chosen during a scholarship competition completed March 24 th at the Pioneer Memorial Museum. They were evaluated by a panel of judges based on their responses and video submissions centered on this year’s theme, “Pioneer Stories—Values to Build On!” Their goals, accomplishments, poise, leadership, answers to judges’ questions, and family genealogy with pioneers who came to the Salt Lake Valley between 1847 and May 10, 1869 were other qualifications.

As they travel and speak this summer, the Royalty will be an example to young women who hear their message.They will represent the State of Utah, Days of ’47 and International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers. During their reign the Royalty will attend events for Day’s of ’47, Inc., and International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers speaking at youth, church and civic organizations. ISDUP/Days of ’47 Royalty strive to honor the legacy of the Utah Pioneers and Utah’s collective heritage by involving themselves within the community throughout the year. The Royalty speak about the early settlers of Utah. They strive to instill awareness, a greater understanding and appreciation of the faith, fortitude and courage of the trailblazers of our state. The young women represent what todays’ pioneers can accomplish. To schedule an appearance by ISDUP/Days of ’47 Royalty members, please contact Constance Huntsman, 801-450-2757 or cdhalice@gmail.com