New crowned Miss Dowagiac discusses her accomplishments, future goals

Over a half century ago, a young Dowagiac woman named Sherry Shue stepped on stage of the Miss Dowagiac Pageant, earning first runner-up.

On Saturday, Shue’s granddaughter followed in her foot steps — only this time, she received the competition’s top prize.

Tori Smith was crowned the 76th Miss Dowagiac this weekend during this year’s ceremony held inside the Dowagiac Middle School auditorium. For the 18-year-old Dowagiac Union High School student, her victory marked the end of the journey that she and the 11 other contestants began several weeks ago as they prepared for the annual pageant.

In addition to helping improve her communication skills and public speaking, the Miss Dowagiac pageant taught Smith a number of things, about herself and her fellow classmates sharing the stage with her.

“Though the other girls and I have went to school together for years, I learned a lot of new things about them through the pageant,” Smith said. “We’ve made a lot of special memories.”

Despite the pressure that many people in her position feel when having to talk in front a massive audience, Smith said her four years of service on the high school’s student senate helped prepare her for the spotlight.

“I’m used to communicating with people, both in our community and outside of it,” she said.

Smith has lived in Dowagiac with her parents, David and Shelly, for her entire life. She has maintained high marks thoughout her time at Dowagiac Union High School, earning a spot on the honor roll throughout the past four years. In addition, she currently serves at the vice president of the student senate, where she is responsible for organizing various events.

Outside of the class, Smith works at the Timberline Inn. She also volunteers her time to helping out at Patrick Hamilton Elementary, where her cousin, Mallory Luthringer, teaches second grade.

“It’s always a fun time,” Smith said. “The kids look up to me, and are always asking ‘when is Miss Tori going to come and read to us.’ It’s really cute.”

With the $3,000 worth of scholarship money awarded to her from the pageant organizers, Smith said she plans on attending classes at Southwestern Michigan College in the fall, where she will study marketing. She hopes to eventually transfer to Grand Valley State University in order to complete her studies.

“I’m a people person, I love to being around others,” Smith said, explaining why she wants to get into business. “In marketing, you get to travel around a lot, which I love doing as well. It’s a field that really suits me.”

Attending school so close to home will make her obligations as the reigning Miss Dowagiac more convenient as well, Smith said. She and her court of honor will be present at many events throughout the year, starting with the Dowagiac Ice Time Festival on Feb. 7.

“I’m so excited to get started,” Smith said. “I think we’ll do really well together.”