Ten young women will take the stage of the Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center later this month, seeking to become the member of the city’s prestigious royal family.

The 77th annual Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant, themed “There’s Magic in the Air,” takes place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, at the middle school. Contestants will compete for a spot in the royal court, with the top contestant becoming the 2016 Miss Dowagiac.

The contestants in this year’s pageant are:

• Contestant #1: Alyssa Allen

• Contestant #2: Heather Stolpe

• Contestant #4: Heather Olson

• Contestant #5: Brittany Malin

• Contestant #6: Anne Zebell

• Contestant #7: Haven Angell

• Contestant #8: Gabby Harrison

• Contestant #9: Rebecca Fletcher

• Contestant #10: Di’maan McGill

• Contestant #11: Mara Nelson

In addition to the titles and crowns, pageant winners will also receive scholarship money for them to put to use as they further their education.

This year, six scholarships, totaling more than $8,500, will be awarded, organizers say.

Since its inception in 2000, the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Fund has distributed more than $51,000 worth of college scholarships to 67 contestants. Last year, 2015 Miss Dowagiac Tori Smith received $3,000 in scholarship money.

Tickets for the pageant, which cost $15 per seat, are available for sale inside the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce office, located inside the Dowagiac train depot downtown.

They will also be available for purchase at the door the night of the show.

Make sure to check out the newspaper beginning next week for profiles on each of the 10 contestants.