Leader photo/JOHN EBY First Runner-up Andrea Bair, Junior Miss Apple Festival Ellie Hurd, Second Runner-up Mackenzie Wideman and Miss Congeniality Kayla West.

Elfriede Hurd, granddaughter of Apple Festival founder Clifton Hurd, was crowned 15th annual Junior Miss in Saturday night’s pageant at Niles High School.

Ellie, 15, is the daughter of Doug and Marion Hurd and a sophomore at Buchanan High School.

“He died last October,” she said. “I grew up with Apple Festival. I know he’s looking down, proud. I am pumped! I am so excited!”

Ellie, who stands 5-foot-6 with brown hair and eyes, wore a white gown with black paisley appliques on the bodice.

Ellie’s school activities include soccer, cheerleading and student council. She said one day she would like to be a pediatrician.

Her hobbies include fishing, hunting and going to the beach.

It was Ellie’s second pageant. As a 5-year-old in 2003, she won second runner-up in Little Miss Galien. Ellie sold the most program ads.

For her finalist question, judges asked Ellie what one thing she would like to see added to the apple festival.

“Nothing,” she said. “I think the apple festival is just great the way it is.”

Her court selected at the “Party in the USA” pageant includes Andrea Bair as first runner-up, Mackenzie Wideman as second runner-up and Miss Congeniality Kayla West.

Andrea, 13, is an eighth-grader at Ring Lardner Middle School and the daughter of Robert and Angela Bair. Andrea is involved with student council, yearbook, cross country, track and volleyball. She said she would like to be a physician’s assistant.

Mackenzie, 13, attends eighth grade at Ring Lardner. Her parents are David and Lynette Wideman. Mackenzie’s activities include yearbook, cheerleading and soccer. Her dream career is veterinarian.

Kayla, 13, is the daughter of Dwane and Karen West and an eighth-grader at Ring Lardner. She participates in volleyball, basketball, track and yearbook club. Kayla said she wants to become a doctor.

The People’s Choice was Jessica Tompos.

Junior Miss judges were Emma Miller, a hair stylist in Jones; Adam Smego, a former Mr. Blossomtime from Cassopolis; and Susanna (Martino) Anderstrom, a former Miss Edwardsburg.