CASSOPOLIS — Tristin Gless, 17, a senior at Ross Beatty High School, has always dreamed of becoming Miss Cassopolis.

At the 2020 annual Miss Cassopolis pageant, Gless looked up at her predecessor, Miss Cassopolis 2019 Kerith Spake, as a crown was secured on her head. Filled with emotion, Gless closed her eyes to take in the reality of her coronation. Following the crowning, she hugged her fellow contestants and met Nathan Affriseo, Mr. Cassopolis 2020, to walk across the stage.

“I’ve always dreamed of being able to represent such a diverse, such a loving community,” Gless said. “I’m really happy I get the opportunity to do that this year.”

Gless was crowned Miss Cassopolis 2020 during Sunday’s Miss Cassopolis Pageant, which was hosted in the auditorium at Ross Beatty High School. During the pageant, five young women from the Cassopolis area competed for the title of Miss Cassopolis.

Rounding out the 2020 Miss Cassopolis court of honor are first runner-up Payton Schwindaman, 17, and second runner-up Sarah Schneider, 17.

The Miss Cassopolis pageant featured 20 contestants, who graced the stage to compete for a spot on the Miss Cassopolis court. The pageant’s theme, “Miss Cassopolis… Where dreams come true,” featured the young entrepreneurs of Cassopolis.

Other members of the court included Mr. Teen Cassopolis Will Poitras, 15, Miss Teen Cassopolis Rebekah Rininger, 15, Miss Jr. Teen Cassopolis Vallorey Smith, 12, Mr. Junior Teen Cassopolis and Bryce Linton, 10. Savannah Krukowski, 9, was crowned Little Miss Cassopolis 2020 and her court included first runner-up Katelin Glon, 9, and second runner-up Alexis Lenex, 9.

Gless, the daughter of Stacy and Trenton Gless, is no stranger to pageants.

“Last year, I went out for the Miss Cassopolis scholarship program, and I didn’t receive anything to be on the court,” Gless said. “It really drove me to run for Miss Cassopolis this year with the Blossomtime affiliated pageant.”

In addition to her crown and other awarded items, Gless won a $450 scholarship.

Both Gless and Affriseo will compete in the Miss Blossomtime pageant on Monday, March 16, 2020.

Gless is also involved in Future Farmers of America, varsity soccer, the student senate, yearbook and National Honor Society. She hopes to attend the University of Michigan in the fall and will focus on carrying out her royal duties during her senior year.

“I’m looking forward to getting to spend an entire year with these amazing people and getting to know them a lot more,” Gless said.

During preparation for the pageant, Gless said close friendships were formed with the other contestants Gless, Schneider, Mattie Daniels and Katelyn Waldschmidt all attend Ross Beatty High School. Schwindaman, who attends Edwardsburg High School, was welcomed with open arms by Gless and the rest of the contestants.

“All five of us girls are really amazing in their own way,” Gless said. “I think we got along very well. It’s going to be an amazing year.”

Affriseo, the nephew of Jennifer and Daniel Affriseo, was encouraged to compete in the pageant by one of his teachers. For his title, he earned a $200 scholarship.

“It’s more about the recognition,” Affriseo said. “I come from nothing. To be able to have something like this, it’s a great honor.”

Affriseo, who is involved in varsity football, wrestling and track, said the title shows his commitment to the community of Cassopolis and whatever it takes on. After graduation, he hopes to join the military and pursue a bachelor’s degree in music. He looks forward to the future roles associated with his new title.

“Every day, just working with them is fun. It’s just always fun,” Affriseo said.