The Miss Stateline Scholarship Program, which is based in Edwardsburg, took its representative, Emily Kieliszewski (an Alpena native) to Muskegon last week to compete for the title of a lifetime: Miss Michigan.

On Saturday night, that dream became a reality when Emily Kieliszewski was crowned Miss Michigan 2015.

The Miss America Organization prides itself in promoting scholarship, service, style and success in the women who compete throughout the national organization.

The newly crowned Miss Michigan was awarded a $12,000 scholarship, along with the state title which will take her all over the state promoting the national platform of Children’s Miracle Network as well as her personal platform, Adopting America’s Children, where she has already been working with the state to develop legislation to allow adoptive parents the same rights to time off work as biological parents when they bring home their child.

Kieliszewski competed in a field of 34 women from across the State of Michigan in five phases of competition: personal interview, on-stage question, talent, evening gown and swimwear.

Kieliszewski gave a well-received tap dance performance to “Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer, wore a red Sherri Hill evening gown and showed off her fitness in a hot pink swimsuit.

Kieliszewski graduated from Michigan State University in 2013 and plans to attend law school with a focus on family and adoptive law. She is also a personal trainer and teaches dance.

Kieliszewski represents Michigan at the Miss America competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which will air Sept. 13 on ABC.

Kellie Montgomery, chair of the Miss Stateline Scholarship Program, said the organization is proud to support the Kieliszewski family as they embark on this incredible journey.

“This is where we are asking the help of our Michigan Communities. Emily has six siblings and her parents who would like to attend as well as her local pageant family,” Montgomery said. “We will be hosting several fundraisers to help with the costs of the week-long Atlantic City trip. Please follow Miss Stateline and Miss Great Lakes Scholarship Program on Facebook where we will announce fundraisers soon.”

The Miss Stateline organization will be hosting a Miss Michigan Homecoming on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Edwardsburg Performing Arts Center from 4:30 to 5 p.m., followed by the next Miss Stateline/Miss Great Lakes Pageant starting at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and meet Miss Michigan and stay for the show to see her perform her Miss America Talent live. Tickets are available at the door.

Those who are interested in competing in the Miss Stateline/Miss Great Lakes Scholarship pageant can pick up applications, which will be open until July 10. There are several programs, including an Outstanding Teen for ages 13-17; Miss ages 17-24 and are offering a Little Miss Camp for ages 4-10.

For more information, email missstateline@gmail.com.