DOWAGIAC — Dowagiac will be represented in the Miss Blossomtime pageant March 14 at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center for the first time since 2004.

A 2009 Union High School graduate, Elizabeth Kolden, won Miss Heart of Blossomtime, a contest for communities lacking a local Blossomtime pageant, Saturday night at the Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center.

Elizabeth, who graduated fifth in the DUHS Class of 2009 and now attends Central Michigan University, finished first runner-up to Miss Dowagiac Shelby Willis.

Elizabeth’s court consists of first runner-up Lauren Glynn of Decatur, second runner-up Arminda Hershberger of Cassopolis and Miss Congeniality Jessica Conklin of Marcellus.

Elizabeth’s parents are Patti Kolden and Roy Kolden.

She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics and ultimately aspires to become a commissioned officer in the Air Force for a military intelligence career.

Lauren is the daughter of David and Kristin Glynn.

“My goal is to attend Western Michigan University for music therapy or music performance and possibly transfer to Berkley for other music aspirations,” she said. “My ambition would be to help people through my music and make a CD one day and have someone buy it.”

Arminda is the daughter of Kevin and Jill Hershberger. She led the other Heart contestants in selling tickets and program advertisements.

After high school, she plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College to pursue a degree as a radiology technician.

Jessica is the daughter of Jeff and Sue Conklin. She wants to become a flight attendant.