The newest member of Dowagiac’s royal sisterhood will be crowned later this month, as the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant hosts its 76th ceremony on Jan. 24.

Over the next several weeks, the Dowagiac Daily News will feature the profiles of the 12 ladies vying for the crown.

This year’s pageant will begin at 7 p.m. inside the Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center.

Tickets for the event are available inside the office of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, inside the Dowagiac train depot.

Next is contestant number 10:

Name: Abigail Brizendine

Age: 18

Height: 5’6”

Eye color: Blue

Parents/guardians: Elvie and Jean Brizendine

Brothers/Sisters: Zachary, age 27, and BrieAnn, age 22

School attending: Dowagiac Union High School

Grade: 12

School activities: National Honor Society, choir, tennis

Outside activities: Tap, 4-H, youth group

Interests and hobbies: Helping on the farm as well as spending quality time with family and friends.

Awards and honors: Inducted into National Honor Society, High Honors

Three words to describe you: Hardworking, outgoing, and trustworthy

What are your ambitions and plans after graduation? My ambitions and plans after graduation are to receive a bachelor’s degree in business from Western Michigan University. I would like to be an executive of a corporation that is involved in the community.

What is your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment is being inducted into the National Honor Society. I was inducted into the National Honor Society while maintaining a part-time job, taking a class at the college, attending dance class, and maintaining a 3.7 GPA.

Why did you decide to compete for the title of Miss Dowagiac? I decided to compete for the title of Miss Dowagiac 2015 because when I was younger I was the victim of cruel bullying. I was picked on with harsh names, harassed with my name sang into a riddle, that I dare not to repeat to this day because it still hurts. I wanted to show people that I am no longer that same little girl, insecure, and that I am now a much stronger young lady. I am now confident enough to not only support other beautiful women but to also compete with them. I would like to show other young ladies that if I can have the confidence in myself to get up here than anyone can. Everyone is beautiful in their own unique way and I am here to show society this.