(left to right) Emily Blakeman, Clair Bourdeaux, Koryanna Beavers, Surya Eccelston, Jameshia Suddeth, 2015 Jackson County RoseQueen Myeshia Jones, Celia Napolitano Ebony Dicks, Sarah Brown, Maggie Belcher and Ashley Sierminski.  Photo courtesy: Rod Soat Photography

Twenty young women took to the stage this past weekend for a chance  to compete as a top ten finalist in the Jackson County RoseQueen Scholarship Pageant this summer.  The Jackson County Rose Festival is pleased to announce the following young ladies were selected in the preliminary competition:   Emily Blakeman, Clair Bourdeaux, Koryanna Beavers, Surya Eccelston, Jameshia Suddeth, Celia Napolitano Ebony Dicks, Sarah Brown, Maggie Belcher and Ashley Sierminski.

“The Pageant is focused on important assets that will help develop long lasting life skills such as outstanding public speaking skills, commitment to your community, poise and leadership. The majority of the scoring will be focused on these assets,” says Lynda Waldron, Executive Director of the RoseQueen Scholarship Pageant.

On Saturday, August 13, ten contestants will compete at Western High School’s Performance Center to determine who will wear the crown and represent Jackson County at the 2017 Miss Michigan USA pageant.

Between now and August 13, the contestants will participate in various public service appearances. At the first annual Rose Gala, on May 13^, 2016, each contestant will be paired with a sponsor.  The sponsorship pairing has been a long standing tradition and has proven beneficial to both the candidate and the sponsor. In addition, each sponsor will also be paired with a Teen Contestant.   Guests at the Gala will be able to bid on silent auctions items, purchase raffle tickets and mix and mingle with the Teen and Miss Contestants.

If you would like more information on where the RoseQueen candidates will appear or to have them appear at your event, contact Lynda Waldron, Executive Director of the RoseQueen Pageant at  [email protected].

For more information on the Jackson County RoseQueen Scholarship Pageant, visit the  website at www.jacksonrosefestival.org.