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NILES — The Miss/Mr. Niles court will be selected next weekend, giving area youth a chance to represent their community and wear a radiant crown, too.

The annual scholarship pageant will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at Niles High School, 1441 Eagle St. This year’s theme is the “Grand Ole Opry: A Centennial Celebration.” The Grand Ole Opry is a famous regular live country-music venue in Nashville, Tennessee turning 100 years old in 2025.

Andrew Boyer and Buchanan native Maya Schuhknecht, Miss Michigan 2023, will co-emcee the event. Tickets are $15 presale, or $20 at the door.

The Miss/Mr. Niles event in its 98th year, continues the mission of mentoring young women and men in presentation, communication and interview skills that serve to build confidence and life skills. When the dust settles, Little Miss and Mr., Junior Teen Miss and Mr., Teen Miss and Mr. and Miss and Mr. Niles titles will be awarded by a panel of judges. 

The Miss/Mr. Niles Pageant is affiliated with the Blossomtime Festival. Established in 1906, Blossomtime is Michigan’s oldest and largest multi-community festival.

Katelyn Boyer and Madelynne Rotondo are the new pageant chairwomen, taking over for previous chairwoman Donna Bradfield. Boyer, who was crowned Miss Edwardsburg 2017 and has worked in pageants throughout southwest Michigan, has embraced her new role and aims to make this year’s pageant the best one yet.

“It was a big leap,” Boyer said. “My mom was chairman for Edwardsburg for over 25 years so I know exactly how much work it is. I know how much of a challenge it is and how rewarding it is. I really prayed about it and it’s something I had to spend some intentional time to think about and ultimately, I love the program so much that I don’t want to miss out on a great opportunity.”

The pageant experience is something that Boyer remembers fondly as a former contestant and something she looks forward to providing contestants this year.

“I’m really excited to celebrate our kids and all of the work they put in the last couple months,” “We started rehearsals and signups in October so they’ve been working really hard toward growing and putting on the show for everybody. We really want to see as many people there to support them.”

Miss Niles Contestants (Ages 17-19): Baylee Davis, Gabrielle Gittens, Emma Williams, Kloe Kiggins, Melanie Kiell, Skyla Cole, Kylie Conn

Mr. Niles Contestant (Ages 17-19): Rowan Iwaniuk 

Miss Teen Contestants (Ages 13-15): Alexis McCombs, Katie Nichols, Shelby Snook, Kenley Weston, Natalie Chester, Payton Jackson

Miss Jr. Teen Niles Contestants (Ages 10-12): Allie Glidden, Adrina Krieger, Mya Moore, Elaina Simons, Emma Moore, Izabelle Wilson

Little Mr. Niles Contestants (Ages 6-9): Lyle Unger, Greyson Unger, Hunter Jackson

Little Miss Niles Contestants (Ages 6-9): Madison Rodriguez, Harper Simmons, Arianna Pavlik, Sophia Unger, Savannah Strout, Maddie Haff