By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Kirstin Miller will spend the next year promoting the industry that she has worked in for her entire life.
Miller, a third-generation apple grower from Vassar, was crowned 2010 Michigan Apple Queen during the 59th annual pageant Dec. 8, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids. Six ladies participated in the contest.
Judging was based on beauty, personality, apple knowledge, poise and stage presence. Janna Szotko, the 2003 Michigan Apple Queen, emceed the evening’s pageant.
“The Michigan Apple Queen will have a busy year,” she said. The title comes with the responsibility of making several promotional appearances, including participation in a variety of parades as well as many other events aimed at promoting the state’s apple industry.
Miller said she “is really excited to serve as the Michigan Apple Queen and represent the industry. It is a great honor.”
The 19-year-old Central Michigan University student is the daughter of Adam and Jennifer Miller, owners of Miller Family Orchard in Vassar.
She is pursuing a degree in political science and legal studies, and plans to attend law school to earn her juris doctorate.
“Growing up in the orchard, I was taught many things about apples and life – the most prominent of which is a strong work ethic,” Miller wrote in her pageant application. “I would love to be the Michigan Apple Queen so that I could give back to the apple industry by educating the public about the importance of agriculture.”
During the pageant, each contestant was asked to explain what career they would choose if they were able to select a career in the apple industry.
“I am studying law and have a big interest in international law.” With Michigan opening up its international markets, Miller added she “would like to work as an international trade lawyer for the Michigan Apple Industry.”
In her spare time, Miller enjoys art, music, reading, writing and volunteering. She volunteers at a nursing home and walks dogs at an animal shelter.
Nineteen-year-old Katie Rasch of Conklin was crowned first runner-up in the pageant. She will accompany Miller to parades and other events. Rasch is the daughter of Joe and Mary Rasch, owners of Joe Rasch Orchards.
If she were to pursue a career in the apple industry, she said it would be in quality control, “because I like knowing we are giving our consumers the best quality product and I also like interacting with growers and workers.”
In her pageant application, Rasch wrote: “After growing up on an apple farm and spending countless hours doing various jobs, I have grown to have an immense respect for the industry and those involved in it. It’s more than a title to me; it is a fantastic opportunity.”
Rasch is studying psychology at Grand Valley State University, and plans to earn a master’s degree in forensic psychology.
Rounding out the queen’s court is second runner-up Amanda Geldersma, 17, of Belding. She is the daughter of Douglas and Deborah Geldersma. Her pageant sponsor was BelleHarvest Sales, Inc.
The daughter of a second-generation apple grower, Geldersma said if she were choosing a career in the apple industry, she would like a career in marketing.
“I have been blessed to live and work on my family’s orchard,” she said. “Before long, I took control of the apple sales. I enjoy educating the customers about apples. Marketing is very important for any industry.”
In her application, Geldersma said she would “work tirelessly through education and communication to promote this thriving industry and preserve the legacy of Michigan apples.”
Other contestants included Denise Gavin, 19, of Grand Rapids; Ashtin Kubec, 21, of Gowen; and Emma Wyrick, 19, of St. Johns. |
