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EDWARDSBURG — The reign of Edwardsburg’s newest queen blossomed to life onstage the Edwardsburg Performing Arts Center Saturday evening, as Kirra Halfman was crowned Miss Edwardsburg 2024.

19 Contestants from each category performed a dance routine before taking part in a formal presentation, a question and a fast walkthrough. The event also featured a performance by the Miss Michele & Co. dance team.

“I am so proud of all of these young individuals who came out and gave their best efforts,” said Miss/Mr. Edwardsburg Chair Michelle Whitmer. “Different judge, different day, different outcomes. Titles don’t define who they are but I am so excited to see where this court is going to take Edwardsburg in the next year.”

Buchanan native Maya Schuhknecht, who was crowned Miss Michigan 2023 back in June, was on hand as a co-emcee and performed her speed-painting talent. She was happy to be back in southwest Michigan to enjoy the pageant experience.

“I thought it was great and the community of Edwardsburg has always had a great program,” she said. “Being able to be involved today was super special. Each and every one of the kids who competed tonight were just phenomenal. It’s a hard job for the judges but the girls that had this experience today will always take that with them so I’m very happy for them. I was glad I could be a part of it as well.”

Halfman inherits the crown from Miss Edwardsburg 2023 Liz Pederson. Halfman’s cousin, Courtney Yoder, was Miss Edwardsburg 2016.

“I am so excited to be a part of this,” Halfman said. “It is a wonderful opportunity. It’s really special to carry on that family legacy and I could not be any more thrilled to be a part of it this year.”

Halfman is a senior at Edwardsburg High School. A former Edwardsburg Leo’s member, Halfman has volunteered with Students Against Destructive Decisions for four years. She has also received the Scholar Athlete Award several times and has earned the Outstanding Excellence Award in multiple subjects.

Upon graduation, Halfman plans to attend either the University of Notre Dame or Saint Mary’s College to pursue a career as a sports lawyer.

When asked how she would define a successful reign as Miss Edwardsburg, Halfman said she would consider it a success by integrating the program back into the school district.

“We’ve seen a gap between the program and the involvement in the school and that’s something really important to me to do,” she said. “I hope to accomplish that.”

Halfman is looking forward to representing Edwardsburg in the 2024 Blossomtime Festival in April. Established in 1906, Blossomtime is Michigan’s oldest and largest multi-community festival. 

“It is such a wonderful opportunity,” she said. “You grow so much over the course of this year and I just cannot wait.”

2024 Miss/Mr. Edwardsburg Pageant results

Miss Edwardsburg 2024 –  Kirra Halfman

Miss Teen Edwardsburg 2024 – Alyssa Horton

Miss Junior Teen Edwardsburg 2024 – Phoenix Hamilton

Miss  Edwardsburg Princess 2024 – Charlotte Kraska 

Mr. Edwardsburg Representative 2024 – Mark Welsch