Thirteen high school seniors seek the 72nd Miss Dowagiac title at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at the middle school Performing Arts Center.

Tickets for Miss Dowagiac 2011 go on sale to the public on Sunday, Feb. 20, from noon to 2 p.m. at the train depot.

Ashley Franklin and Audrey Maxey direct the scholarship pageant for the Chamber of Commerce.

Let’s meet the young women hoping to succeed 2010  Miss Dowagiac Katie Haneberg:

Shannon Keene

Contestant 1

Age: 17

Height: 5-foot-9

Eyes: hazel

Parents: Rosemarie Keene and the late Donald Keene

Siblings: older brother Scott, younger sister Michelle

School activities: National Honor Society, Humanities Club vice president, Educational Talent Search, band, varsity tennis, golf

Outside activities: 4-H, church, employee at Wood Fire Italian trattoria

Interests, hobbies: reading, painting, traveling, listening to music

Awards/honors: 2010 Homecoming queen, high honors, Top 20 of graduating class

After high school: “I plan to attend Southwestern Michigan College for two years, then transfer to a four-year university to pursue an education in the medical field.”

Greatest accomplishment: “accepting the loss of my father at a young age (8)”

In three words: ambitious, compassionate, genuine

Why competing: “to gain new friendships, to have fun and to enhance my public speaking skills”

Platform: gratitude

Heather R. Leonard

Contestant 2

Age: 18

Height: 5-foot-9

Eyes: blue

Parents: Bill and Nancy Leonard

Siblings: brother Billy, 9, and sister Gabby, 15

Attends: Coloma High School

School activities: varsity volleyball (two years), Serenade women’s ensemble, Science Olympiad (two years)

Outside activities: Krush Volleyball Club (18 elite team), volunteer at St. Paul’s Church missions center — free community lunch

Awards/honors: Lakeland Conference honorable mention, Academic All-Conference, honor roll, Coach’s Spirit Award (2009), JV volleyball captain (2008), National Honor Society member (three years), Student Council senior class female representative — highway clean-up, food pantry, “Summer of Fun,” choir, District Solo and Ensemble Division I (2008, 2009), State Solo and Ensemble Division II (2009) and national-level NHS member

After high school: “I plan on studying marine biology at either Hawaii Pacific University or Roger Williams University. The oceans tell many things about the health of our planet. As a marine scientist, I will be studying and learning about the delicate balance of this very important life-sustaining environment.”

Greatest accomplishment: “My relationships within my family. I say this because I am confident that they will always be behind me to support me wherever life may take me.”

In three words: knowledgeable, approachable, respectful

Why competing: “To be able to serve a community that I have grown to love in a wider range of community activities.”

Platform: don’t give up

Gabrielle Nicolette Dorman

Contestant 3

Age: 18

Height: 5-foot-2

Eyes: blue

Parents: Jeff and Karen Dorman

Siblings: brother Cody Dorman, sisters Chloe and Gwyneth Dorman

School activities: cheerleading, Student Senate, National Honor Society

Outside activities: church youth camp, job at Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm, classes at Southwestern Michigan College

Interests, hobbies: cooking, reading, music, fashion, being outdoors, cheerleading, youth group and church activities

Awards/honors: Academic Award of Excellence, high honors all four years of high school

After high school: “I plan on enrolling in the SMC nursing program to get my degree in pediatric nursing and then possibly joining the Air Force.”

Greatest accomplishments: “Being a good role model to my two younger sisters through example, including grades; respect of others, especially elders; as well as positive thinking and kindness.”

In three words: sincere, dedicated, cheerful

Why competing: “It’s hard to find role models in the world we live in today, and to me Miss Dowagiac was always someone little girls — including myself — could look up to. Dowagiac is such a great and close community and being in this pageant will help me become even closer with it. I also have heard nothing but amazing things from girls who have done the pageant before, about how wonderful of an experience it is. Getting close with the girls in the pageant, as well as doing all kinds of fun things with the community while getting to wear a pretty dress is one opportunity I would never pass up.”

Platform: positive thinking

Courtney Marie Bogen

Contestant 4

Age: 18

Height: 5 feet

Eyes: light brown

Parents: Chris and Alisa Bogen

Three brothers: Codey, Christian, Aiden

School activities: Student Council, Nature Club, in previous years soccer, football and basketball cheerleading, golf and Humanities Club

Outside activities: singing with Junior Dogwood Chorale and at Dogwood Fine Arts Camp

Interests, hobbies: singing, drawing, painting, doing yoga, being vegetarian and making things like clothes and jewelry

Awards/honors: Presidential Award, Student of the Month

After high school: finish associate degree at SMC, then transfer to a university to earn a master’s degree in teaching

Greatest accomplishment: “Being one of the select few chosen by the director of SMC, Dave Carew, to sing in the Junior Dogwood Chorale.”

In three words: creative, determined, radiant

Why competing: “All my life people have put me down and told me I couldn’t do things. I want to compete so that when all the people who put me down see me walk across that stage in my evening gown, they will realize that despite everything they’ve said, I turned out to be a beautiful and smart young woman and no one can make me believe otherwise.”

Platform: Love the skin you’re in

Erika Rae Gill

Contestant 5

Age: 18

Height: 5-foot-3

Eyes: green

Parents: Patti and Eli Recollet, Rodney Gill

Siblings: Elyssa and Riley Gill

School activities: soccer, Humanities Club

Outside activities: church

Interests, hobbies: “I like to bake, going on hikes and camping.”

Awards/honors: on honor roll all through high school

After high school: “I plan on attending SMC and going through the nursing program.”

Greatest accomplishment: “I planned and executed a trip for 14 people to hike the Tetons Mountains in Wyoming for venture crew.”

In three words: adventurous, friendly, driven

Why competing: “For the chance to gain confidence and learn more about my fellow classmates in a fun way.”

Platform: soldiers

Devon Leigh Ownby

Contestant 6

Age: 18

Height: 5-foot-2

Eyes: brown

Parents: Don and Babita Ownby

Brother: Sinjin Ownby

School activities: Student Senate, The Network, volleyball and varsity softball four years

Outside activities: babysitting, boxing, Deco Tec, New Beginnings Ministries, church youth group and Bible study

Interests, hobbies: photography, reading, watching movies with Mom, volunteering for Celebration Graduation 2011 and organizing Christian-based parties

Awards/honors: three-time recipient of Dowagiac Union Schools’ Citizen of the Month, spring sportsmanship award, Student Senate president senior year and honor roll

After high school: attending Goshen College, studying pre-med while playing softball

Greatest accomplishment: “Being a role model to my cousins by showing them how hard work and studying hard will help them succeed.”

In three words: genuine, compassionate, outgoing

Why competing: “When I was a young girl, I loved going to the pageants and seeing Miss Dowagiac in parades and at social events. I looked up to her and I knew that it would be an honor to have that same opportunity someday.”

Platform: building a strong community through children

Jessica Caldwell

Contestant 7

Age: 18

Height: 5-foot-4

Eyes: blue

Parents: William and Julee Caldwell

Siblings: William Jr., Danielle and Aaron Caldwell

School activities: varsity soccer, varsity golf, Humanities Club

Outside activities: church

Interests, hobbies: photography, reading, traveling, movies, drawing

Awards/honors: Top 20 of graduating class and honors throughout entire high school career

After high school: “I plan to attend (Lake Michigan College) for two years in the pre-optometry program, then transfer to a bigger school to finish a degree in optometry.”

Greatest accomplishment: “Participating in a 5K run with my dad and getting first place in my age division.”

In three words: shy, motivated, clumsy

Why competing: “I decided to compete in the Miss Dowagiac pageant to get to know the girls in my class better and to gain experience, which I can use in the future.”

Platform: capturing memories

Brittany Parritt

Contestant 8

Age: 18

Height: 5-foot-5

Eyes: hazel

Parents: Keith Parritt and Tonya Holmes

Siblings: sister, Brooke; two brothers, Benjamin and Kameron; two step-brothers, Kevin and Zack; and step-sister, Jessica

School activities: softball, cheerleading

Outside activities: four-wheeling, hanging out with friends, babysitting, church

Awards/honors: high honors and Top 20 in Class of 2011

After high school: attend SMC, then transfer to a four-year college to study photography

Greatest accomplishments: high honors through high school, ranked in the Top 20 of the senior class, staying abstinent all the way through school, not falling into peer pressure

In three words: easygoing, smart, caring

Why competing: “I knew it would be a great experience no matter what the outcome is and I didn’t want to regret not doing it when I get older and later wish I would have done it. I also though it would be fun to try out for Miss Dowagiac.”

Platform: a fight for life (breast cancer)

Lauren Smith

Contestant 9

Age: 17

Height: 5-foot-6

Eyes: light brown

Parents: Krista and Alan Smith

Two sisters: Haley and Kelsey Smith

School activities: “I was a member of the varsity girls golf team for my junior and senior year. I also participated in football, basketball and competitive cheerleading my first three years of high school. I am also a part of Student Senate.”

Outside activities: “I completed election inspector training for Cass County and worked the polls for the 2010 elections. I also enjoy getting lost in a good book, challenging my family on the golf course and, of course, shopping.”

Interests, hobbies: “I love swimming and going to the beach. I also like to spend time with my family and friends.”

Awards/honors: honor roll senior year

After high school: plans to major in nursing at SMC

Greatest accomplishment: holding the record low girls golf score for DUHS her senior year

In three words: confident, funny, energetic

Why competing: “I felt it would be a great experience and one last fun thing to do with the great girls I’ve grown up alongside.”

Platform: remember the moments

Kiele Fern Belew

Contestant 10

Age: 17

Height: 5-foot-9

Eyes: light brown

Parents: Keith and June Belew

Brother: Kameron Belew

Dual enrolled at SMC

School activities: varsity volleyball, varsity softball

Outside activities: travel softball, work as a waitress

Interests, hobbies: “I really love to read and play sports. Reading has always helped me exercise my mind. Psychology books are my favorite. I like to compete and playing sports is a great way for me to compete with others and have fun. I am also very interested in fundraising for the American Cancer Society.”

After high school: “I plan to study pre-medicine at an undecided school. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in biology, I plan to further my education in medical school and major in radiology.”

Greatest accomplishment: “Getting through the loss of my brother (in a car accident when he was 19). He was a huge part of my life and still is. Getting through that tough period in my life was the hardest thing I have ever done. Another accomplishment would have to be applying to 10 colleges and universities and being accepted to all of them.”

In three words: ambitious, dedicated, honest

Why competing: “My brother pointed out when I was about 13 years old that I was a ‘tomboy.’ I didn’t do anything girly and he always told me that I should try something different. Then, as I applied to different schools, I realized that he was right. The Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant is a perfect opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. Along with a new experience, the pageant would help me stay connected with and stay involved in our community.”

Platform: strength within

Kaye Swartz

Contestant 11

Age: 17

Height: 5-foot-4

Eyes: brown

Parents: Mark and Sally Swartz

Siblings: one brother, Matthew; two sisters, Samantha and Amanda

School activities: Choral Choir, Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, Drama Club, golf

Outside activities: Junior Dogwood Chorale, 4-H, playing piano, volunteer work (waitress and singing for the elderly)

Interests, hobbies: singing, acting, writing, art, piano, golf, crocheting, fishing

Awards/honors: Divisions I and II at District Solo and Ensemble competition, Division II at State Solo Competition, honor roll all four years of high school

After high school: “I plan to receive my associate degree from Southwestern Michigan College and transfer to Ferris State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in respiratory.”

Greatest accomplishment: “making it to State Solo Competition as only a sophomore and getting the lead role in the musical ‘Grease’ my junior year.”

In three words: funny, passionate, devoted

Why competing: “I want the opportunity to meet new people and expand my horizons. I know it’ll be a positive experience that I will always remember fondly. I believe it will be an opportunity for us girls to become close friends before some of us have to say goodbye after graduation.”

Platform: how music builds confidence

Savanna Jo Lemon

Contestant 12

Age: 17

Height: 5 feet

Eyes: blue

Parents: John and Tracy Lemon

Siblings: Jesse Lemon, Samantha Edwards, Joshua Lemon

School activities: sideline and competitive cheer

Outside school activities: church youth group

Interests, hobbies: reading, listening to music

Awards/honors: penmanship award in elementary school, honor roll in middle school, third place in cheer competition

After high school: “I am going to either Brown Mackie College or Everest Institute to become a certified medical assistant.”

Greatest accomplishment: “I have been in my youth group drama ministries for three years.”

In three words: outgoing, energetic, respectful

Why competing: “I really want to make a difference in my family and friends’ lives, and I know that if I won Miss Dowagiac it would help my family realize that anything is possible.”

Platform: spirituality and me

Ashley Nicole McElheny

Contestant 13

Age: 18

Height: 5-foot-3

Eyes: blue

Parents: Brad and Sheri McElheny

Sister: Amanda, 13

School activities: freshman/JV basketball

Outside activities: 4-H (three years) and dance (14 years)

Interests, hobbies: “I love hanging out with friends, being outside swimming and riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers.”

Awards/honors: perfect attendance and Chieftain of the Month in elementary school

After high school: “I plan on attending Brown Mackie or Baker College to become a certified nurse’s assistant.”

Greatest accomplishments: “Receiving reserve champion with my sister’s dog at the fair in 2009 and receiving my 10-year trophy from Encore Dance Company.”

In three words: responsible, strong, ambitious

Why competing: “When I was little I danced in the 1998 Miss Dowagiac pageant. I knew I wanted to be one of the contestants one day.”

Platform: the importance of family