Dear Editor:
This past year as Miss Niles has been the most amazing one of my life. I have had so many unique experiences and opportunities that have opened my eyes, helped me to grow as a woman, and forever changed me as a person.

My first appearance as Miss Niles was at the Dowagiac Christmas Parade in early December. It was extremely cold, yet unbelievably fun. I knew right away that the upcoming year would be wonderful.  The fun did not end with this parade, but continued on. My court and I appeared in many more parades, such as the famed Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade, Three Oaks Flag Day Parade, College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Parade, Niles Memorial Day Parade and the Apple Festival Parade. Each was exciting and unique. But there is so much more to being Miss Niles than waving and wearing a gown.

My court and I had the opportunity to adopt a family this Christmas and had so much fun spending time with an amazing Niles family. We learned that giving back is truly the best gift of all and our hearts were forever touched.  This spring, I read to children at a few of our community’s elementary schools.  It made my day to see the children’s faces light up at the sight of a sparkly crown and the words of a great book.

We also participated in Relay for Life this summer to support a great cause.

With the Blossomtime Festival, I have been able to travel all throughout Southwest Michigan. I have learned about several communities in the area and been able to meet people that I never would have met otherwise. With my 23 sister queens, I toured Michigan’s capitol building, met the incredible children at the Shriner’s Hospital in Chicago, rode with state police, kissed pigs and so much more.

I would like to thank the many local businesses and individuals of Niles for the endless support I have received throughout the year. I am so gracious to have my city behind me and it means the world to me. I would like to specifically thank the Niles Daily Star for the wonderfully written coverage of my reign and the kind words.

I cannot express how much I have enjoyed my reign as Miss Niles 2009. I would trade this experience for nothing. I have been proud to wear my crown and represent the city of Niles, for it is a beautiful city full of wonderful people. My time as Miss Niles has been the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. I know how blessed I am to be a part of something so special, and I will never take that for granted. I will always treasure this experience of a lifetime.  Please come support the contestants competing for Miss Niles 2010 on Nov. 21 at the Niles High School Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Thank you,
Zarah Mumaw
Miss Niles 2009