65th Miss Dowagiac pageant contestant profiles begin today

Published 1:11 am Thursday, January 15, 2004

By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
With the Blossomtime Festival celebrating American heroes, Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce's 65th edition of the Miss Dowagiac pageant Jan. 24 has the theme "Aspiring Women to New Heights."
Twenty-four young women will be vying to succeed Kristin Rose as queen of their community and to represent the Grand Old City at Blossomtime in March.
Tickets go on sale to the public Jan. 17.
They cost $12 for main floor and $10 for balcony seating at Central Middle School.
Patrick Hamilton Middle School will open at 6 p.m. Jan. 16 for pageant supporters lining up early for choice tickets.
Due to the number of contestants, purchases will be limited to four tickets, according to Director Tracy Galbreath.
Max Sala will again serve as master of ceremonies for the contest, which opens with a "Space Jam" production number.
Let's meet our first four contestants, all seniors at Union High School.
Amanda Bowman
Contestant 1
Birthdate: Aug. 10, 1985
Height: 5-foot-3
Hair: brown; eyes: blue
Father: Paul; mother: Jennifer
Brothers: Luke Bowman, Isaac Bowman
School activities: soccer (MVP), volleyball
Outside activities: jet skiing, boating, bowling, going to the movies
Hobbies: writing, drawing
Employment: Myers Super Valu
Ambition: "I plan on attending a two-year college, then transferring to a four-year college to get my degree in psychology"
Ten years from now: "I intend on having my Ph.D. in psychology and opening my own practice"
Reason for entering pageant: "I wanted to be more involved with my community and to get to know my classmates"
Describe yourself in three words: independent, self-motivated, ambitious
Relatives in past contests: mother, Jennifer (Shelton) competed in the 1982 Miss Cassopolis contest
Gown: "I bought my dress because when my mom saw me in it she began to cry"
Michele Lynn Pilot
Contestant 2
Birthdate: April 7, 1986
Height: 5-foot-10
Hair: light brown; eyes: blue
Father: David; mother: Elaine
Twin sister: Jenny
School activities: two years of basketball, two years of volleyball, four years of softball, school mentoring program, community outreach program, honor student
Outside activities: participated in nine years of dance
Hobbies: spending time with friends and loved ones, going to movies, shopping, traveling, listening to music
Employment: Wood Fire restaurant, Vertical Challenge climbing wall
Ambition: "I plan to attend Grand Valley State University and pursue a career in either communication or hotel management"
Ten years from now: "I see myself happy, with a successful career, a fun life and a nice place to live"
Reason for entering pageant: "to gain confidence, have a good time with the girls and to learn how to walk in high heels"
Describe yourself in three words: kind-hearted, humorous, energetic
Relatives in past contests: mother was a finalist in the 1971 Miss Galien pageant
Gown: "I chose my gown because it was the first dress I tried on and it fit perfectly. I also love the unique color"
Ashley Nichole Brewer
Contestant 3
Birthdate: Oct. 18, 1985
Height: 5-foot-2
Hair: brown; eyes: brown
Mother: Lisa
School activities: Student Senate four years (vice president this year), Varsity Club three years (president this year), varsity basketball and volleyball two years, soccer four years and mentor at high school
Outside activities: Several different traveling soccer teams, serves one weekend a month for National Guard
Hobbies: soccer, reading, working out and being a "shutterbug" who likes to take pictures
Employment: Wick's Apple House, CMI Architectural Products as a secretary
Ambition: "To become a successful psychiatrist and have my own practice and to live in a three-story log cabin that I designed and built, to be happily married and to serve my country to the best of my ability"
Ten years from now: "I hope to be doing my residency in psychiatry and to be working on becoming a master sergeant"
Reason for entering pageant: "I did it mainly for the experience and to have fun with the girls"
Describe yourself in three words: spunky, unique, determined
Gown: "Out of the million dresses I tried on, this one was the only one I felt comfortable in. I actually put a smile on my face when I put it on."
Rachael Marie Saylor
Contestant 4
Birthdate: June 6, 1986
Height: 5-foot-6
Hair: blonde; eyes: hazel
Father: Walter; mother: Tracy
Siblings: Robin, Randee and Ron Saylor
School activities: drama class, cheerleading, community outreach and Varsity Club
Hobbies: hanging out with friends, going to the movies or going to the beach in the summer
Employment: waitress and cashier at Wahoo's
Ambition: "Not to ever get above myself and forget what is important -- loving and feeling for others"
Ten years from now: "I plan to be a successful dental hygienist and married, with one child at least"
Reason for entering pageant: "for the experience and to meet new people"
Describe yourself in three words: compassionate, forgiving, loving
Gown: "I tried on many dresses. None of them really caught my eye. As soon as I put the last one on I knew it was the one for me"