Two UA students are representing the state of Arizona as ambassadors for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Jolene Silverthorn and Nicole Tibshraeny are two of four Fiesta Bowl court members who were picked from over 100 applicants.

Silverthorn, finance and accounting senior, is president of the University of Arizona chapter of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and was nominated for Homecoming queen this year.

Tibshraeny, management information systems and operations management senior, is involved in the adopt-a-school program and is a member of the Phi Eta Sigma national honor society.

Silverthorn and Tibshraeny received $750 academic scholarships from Wells Fargo Bank and wardrobes provided by JC Penney Co. Inc. They appear at 60 Fiesta Bowl events between October and January.

"The two girls were chosen because they stood out in a crowd academically and personality-wise," said Kerry Luginbill, assistant public relations director of the Fiesta Bowl.

The court was chosen on the criteria of scholastic achievement, poise, citizenship, personality and appearance, Luginbill said.

"As ambassadors of the Fiesta Bowl, the court represents the state of Arizona and the community," she said.

Dot Cunningham, chairwoman of the queen and court, said, "The girls have performed very well at the events and have gotten good reviews."

Both Tibshraeny and Silverthorn said they became involved because they wanted to help the state and community.

"The Fiesta Bowl is a massive spectrum of community service for Arizona," Tibshraeny said.

Silverthorn said, "The Fiesta Bowl events bring the community together and provide revenue for the state."

Last year, the Fiesta Bowl attracted approximately 50,000 out-of-state visitors and generated $98.6 million for the state's economy, according to a news release.

Fiesta Bowl events include the Duck Race, where a car is given away, and the Whole in One, where the prize is $1 million.

"What is important about the Fiesta Bowl is that $17.2 million is paid to the two colleges who play in the football game," Silverthorn said. "That money goes into a general fund - not specifically the athletic department - so all students benefit."

Silverthorn said the benefits she has gained by being involved in the court will help her in her career.

"This experience has helped me with public relations, interviewing skills and giving public presentations," she said.

Tibshraeny said she and the court have met many influential business people at the events and some members of the court are using the media coverage.

Yet, she said there is a lot of hard work involved in being in a Fiesta Bowl.

"They (the Fiesta Bowl) expect a lot out of you because you are a representative of Arizona," she said.

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