Miss Utah USA 2009 - Laura Chukanov

Lucky wrote:I am not sure she really looks like on the pics above. But the pics are very nice

TIDUS wrote:

Laura Kirilova Chukanov was born in Sofia, Bulgaria on June 5th, 1986. Laura and her family immigrated to the United States in 1990 when her father’s career in alternative energy research blossomed. Laura is proud to come from a family full of strong women and influential men. Her background has prepared her for a life full of adventure and opportunities to succeed. Laura speaks English, Bulgarian, and Spanish and is competent in Russian as well. The past few years of Laura’s life have been an incredible journey that led her to her current role as Miss Utah USA 2009. Currently a senior at the University of Utah, Laura is majoring in International Studies and receiving minors in Leadership Studies and Art History. After her year of service as Miss Utah USA 2009 Laura will pursue a Masters Degree in Art Management.
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During her time at the University of Utah Laura has been able to volunteer at a Navajo Reservation, work as an orientation leader for two summers, help international students feel welcome to the U of U, work as a Peer Mentor in the Career Services Office, chair the Community Relations Board for Rock the U (a charitable dance marathon that raised over $90,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation), chair the International Studies Student Advisory Committee, participate and graduate from the International Leadership Academy, run in the Salt Lake City Marathon with Hometown Heroes for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, and bike 40 miles in the MS150 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Last year Laura had the chance to work with Big Heart Humanitarian, a local non-profit organization that helps children in Guatemala receive an education. With Big Heart Humanitarian Laura was able to travel to Guatemala to meet with the director of The Rose Education Foundation, who introduced her to the many educational challenges students face in Guatemala. During the 2008 school year Laura worked as an intern at Terzian Galleries in Park City. This experience has introduced her to the art community in Utah, which she is now in love with. During her reign as Miss Utah USA 2009 Laura hopes to become more involved with the art community in Utah. She also has plans to start her own non-profit organization, Buddies Abroad, a pen-pal program for children in elementary classrooms world-wide.

Traveling and art are two of Laura’s favorite hobbies. Laura recently completed a study abroad in Spain were she had the chance to study Spanish art history and Spanish history. In the past few years Laura has traveled to Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, France, Spain, Morocco, and Bulgaria. Laura considers herself a global citizen because she has family in 3 continents and she has dual citizenship. During her reign, Laura hopes to have a chance to work with immigrant children in order to help them feel as welcome as she does in the United States.

Laura is extremely thankful to her family and friends for helping her get this far and she hopes to make them and the state of Utah proud during her year of service. Laura is so happy to have the opportunity to be MISS UTAH USA 2009 and she cannot wait to compete in the MISS USA 2009 pageant! Thank you everyone!!!

Lucky wrote:www.chukanovenergy.com

TIDUS wrote:

Lucky wrote:www.chukanovenergy.com

WOW HER FATHER IS REALLY SOMETHING!

Lucky wrote:

TIDUS wrote:

Lucky wrote:www.chukanovenergy.com

WOW HER FATHER IS REALLY SOMETHING!

Maybe she will use a fireball at the final night

Taxi wrote:Miss Utah 2009, Laura Chukanov