Pink Pamplemousse

I had the pleasure this weekend to hang out with a legacy of Miss Michigan’s and the new Miss America, Miss Michigan, Kirsten Haglund.

It was a unique and inspiring experience, because people flocked to Muskegon, Mich. to celebrate with one young woman, only nineteen, and her family for winning such a coveted award.

From left to right: back row: Stacy Essebaggers, Laura Welling, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko, Audrie Chernauckas, Kelli Talicska, Stacey Heisler, front row: Angela Corsi, me, Kirsten Haglund, Gina Valo, Kelly Garver, Madonna Emond.

It has been exactly twenty years since Michigan has claimed the Miss America title, and we all gathered in excitement to extend our congratulations to the winners—each other. It was a night not just for Kirsten and her family, but for her town, her high school, her local pageant, her friends, and young women across the state and nation who now idolize her and look to her as an inspiration and example.

She is truly talented, an accomplished singer and dancer, headed, she said for Broadway. She and her brother Lars performed together that night, bringing everyone to tears as they dedicated their duet to Miracle Children, small innocent angels suffering with terminal illnesses.

While my personal experience as Miss Michigan was neither, easy nor breezy, I am honored to have been a part of such a meaningful organization that continues to touch lives throughout the country.