Zarah Mumaw, 19, of Niles was crowned Miss Michigan Galaxy 2011 on Nov. 6 in Bay City, Mich.

Mumaw is the daughter of Tracey and Dan Hossfeld, also of Niles. She is a 2009 graduate of Niles High School and currently attends Purdue University, where she is pursuing a degree in English education. Mumaw reigned as Miss Niles 2009.

Galaxy Pageants Inc. is a traditional beauty pageant, emphasizing style, community service and personal development. The organization affords its representatives the opportunity to gain confidence, poise and advance personal and career goals while acting as role models in their communities. The 2011 pageant promoted Toys for Tots by collecting donations from the contestants and audience members.

Contestants from across Michigan competed in personal interview, swimsuit, evening gown, photogenic and fashion modeling events. Mumaw swept the competition, taking not only the title, but winning the awards for the highest judge’s scores in interview, fashion modeling, swimsuit and evening gown.

As Miss Michigan Galaxy, Mumaw will represent the state in the 2011 Galaxy International Pageant in July 2011 in Ann Arbor, Mich., where she will compete against delegates ages 19-29 from across the United States and the world. Mumaw said she is looking forward to promoting her title across the state.