MckourageA new Miss Michigan has been crowned under the sparkling lights of the competition stage.
Miss Oakland County is a young woman from Oakland, California. On Saturday, June 18 at Orchard View High School in Muskegon, Melissa Beyrand was named the winner of the 2022 Miss Michigan scholarship competition.
Over the course of two evenings, twenty ladies from towns throughout Michigan competed for the championship.
During the preliminary round on Thursday, June 16, candidates demonstrated their knowledge, skill, and stage presence. The top 10 finalists took to the stage on Saturday night to explain their social impact project, answer an on-stage question, perform talent, and model evening clothing.
Vivian Zhong, Miss Michigan 2021, was then crowned her successor.
Beyrand received a $10,000 scholarship and the chance to participate in the Miss America Scholarship pageant in 2023, in addition to the crown and the Miss Michigan title.
For her social impact effort, Beyrand, 22, from Milford, discussed the advantages of incorporating art into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) education. She demonstrated her skill by playing Europe’s “Final Countdown” on her violin.
On opening night, Beyrand got an award for her on-stage answer to a question regarding how, if she were awarded Miss Michigan, she would assist young women have equal chances as males. Miss River Raisin Festival Laurel Hammis earned an award for best talent for her opera song, and she also received an award for best talent for her violin performance.
Holly Barraclough, Jason Paul Bertoia, Sarah Ledtke McCann, Tom Joppie, and Jason Timothy Robinson served as judges this year.
The final score was calculated by combining 25% of the preliminary score with fresh points of 30% for talent, 20% for red carpet, and 25% for the on-stage question and societal effect.
The top prize in the scholarship competition is $10,000, with $4,000 going to the runner-up, $3,000 going to the second runner-up, $2,000 going to the third runner-up, $1,500 going to the fourth runner-up, $1,000 going to the remaining five semi-finalists, and $500 going to non-finalist entrants.
The top ten semi-finalists were revealed Saturday evening by Mistress of Ceremonies and Miss Michigan 2008 Ashlee Baracy-Kunkel.
Mckourage
