Putting together a Miss America wardrobe in which all the dresses had sleeves and the swimsuit was modest wasn't easy, but Miss Utah Katie Millar was determined to maintain her standards.

As part of her Miss Utah mission statement, Katie said she was determined to prove to young women everywhere that you can be successful without compromising your values.

"My message as Miss Utah expands beyond just the pageant world," Katie said. "I hope that I am an example to all young women that you can uphold traditional values and be successful at the same time."

And Katie, who's from Highland, was successful. On Monday in Las Vegas, Katie joined the ranks of only four other Miss Utah titleholders to become a top 10 finalist at the Miss America competition.

"I wasn't expecting to make the top 10, especially because when I was called there were only four slots left and 46 other contestants," Katie said. "After they called the sixth finalist I felt a sudden calm and then I heard my name. It was pretty thrilling to be a national finalist and see my face on the big screen."

As part of the top 10, Katie competed against nine other finalists in swimsuit and evening wear. She turned heads as she walked out on to the stage in her modest one-piece swimsuit.

"Some of the other contestants turned to her before she went on stage and said, 'You are wearing thatfi You have got to be kiddingfi' " said Katie's mother, Rita Millar. "But when she went on to the stage she looked absolutely fabulous. She had a unique glow about her."

Through Katie's performance on Monday night, she was able to share her modest message with the nation.

"Katie was able to be seen on national television in a one-piece swimsuit," said Tewa Wride, Katie's pageant consultant. "I am proud that she was able to make such a bold statement to the world proving you can be successful at pageants and still be modest.

"Katie felt it was important to wear a modest wardrobe at Miss America," Rita said. "There have been lots of comments from other contestants, friends and family members expressing their appreciation of her modesty."

Katie has maintained this modest standard from her first competition, Miss Timpanogos, to her recent experience at Miss America.

"From a mother's point of view, it takes a lot of guts to go out on the Miss America stage with sleeves and a full swimsuit," Rita said.

Katie arrived in Las Vegas six days before the competition began to attend Miss America promotional events and rehearse for the final performance.

"Rehearsals were exhausting and almost monotonous," Katie said. "We would rehearse the same few numbers every day for up to eight hours. Every one of the girls could do the dance in our sleep."

Katie's now looking forward to a little down time.

"I am going to sleep, never rat my hair again and I'm not wearing make up for at least a week," Katie said.

Her down time won't last long as she has four more months to serve as Miss Utah, attending appearances and promoting her platform -- the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.