A few days after being crowned queen of the Miss Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program, Niles’ Alyssa Putnam said she would use her platform to spread awareness about the important role music plays in the lives of children.

“Music is very important to me because it is something I am passionate about,” said Putnam, who sings and plays the piano, guitar and ukulele. “I’ve been around music my whole life. I was in choir in high school and I saw how it changed so many lives, including mine.”

The 20-year-old topped a field full of talented other contestants from southwest Michigan during the program, which was held Saturday at the Bridgman High School Performing Arts Center.

Putnam received a total of $1,250 in scholarships for being crowned queen and earning the pageant’s ticket sales award, salute ad award leadership award and quality of life award.

Putnam, who graduated from Michigan Lutheran in 2013, is the daughter of Jeffrey and Christine, of Niles. She is a junior at Kendall College of Art and Design and is studying commercial space planning.

This was her first time competing in the Miss Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program, although she said she participated in the 2013 Miss Niles Pageant.

Putnam will be in Niles during the Four Flags Area Apple Festival parade Oct. 3.

“It means so much,” she said. “I am so excited for this opportunity and to be able to go out into the community and spread my platform.”

Putnam is also a member of the Niles Lions Club.