Staff Report

The 2014 Miss Buchanan Pageant, “Scooby Doo” will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Buchanan High School auditorium at 7 p.m. Doors will be open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased in advance at Guys and Dolls Styling or from contestants. Tickets may be purchased at the door the night of the pageant, depending on availability. Seats are limited. Contestants in the Miss Buchanan pageant are as follows:

#1 Madeline Grace

Vorrath

Madeline, 18, plans to attend Trine University to study pre-physical therapy and play as starting forward for the women’s soccer team. Madeline was previously Miss Congeniality for Miss Apple Festival. She plays basketball, soccer and the ukulele. Her sister, Dana Vorrath, was Miss Buchanan in 2007.

#2 Rachel (Andi) Frost

Andi, 17, plans on attending college to study pre-med after graduation to lead to a career in forensic science. She is drum major for the high school’s band and plays saxophone. She Founded Girls Be Positive and is the class president. She serves on the Youth Advisory Council and National Honors Society. This is her first pageant, but her mother was the first Miss Apple Festival in 1977.

#3 Bailey Foster

Bailey, 17, plans to attend SMC for two years to major in medical assistance before transferring to Grand Valley State to enroll in the nursing program. She is captain of the Buchanan softball team and has served as captain of the volleyball team, and is a member of the Optimist Club. She enjoys drawing and doing graphic design.

#4 Dara Molica

Dara, 17, plans to go to Simpson College in Ohio to earn a degree in agricultural science. She is the vice president of Students Against Destructive Decisions and plays tennis. She has previously been involved in student council, cross country and prom committee. This is her first pageant.

#5 Kiah Weaver

Kiah, 17, plans to attend Indiana University South Bend after graduation to study criminal justice. She is the advisor of the Mean Stinks Campaign and Girls Be Positive. She is the founder and president of the Buchanan Leo’s Club. She is a member of the National Honors Society and enjoys volunteering in the community.

#6 Malia Bradbury

Malia, 17, plans to attend either Northwestern University, Washington University-St. Louis or Brown University to study political science. She participates in cross country, soccer, drama, pom squad, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Spanish National Honors Society, among other activities. She received above a 28 on her ACT and has won a scholastic award for soccer and cross country every year.

#7 Roxie Elliot

Roxie, 17, plans to attend Indiana University to major in broadcast journalism. She is the student council vice president and yearbook club editor. Previously, she was Miss Southwest Michigan’s Pre-teen in 2008, Miss Southwest Michigan’s Outstanding Teen in 2011, Miss Auburn/Midland’s Outstanding Teen in 2012 and placed in the top ten at Miss Michigan’s Outstanding Teen in 2011 and 2012.

#8 Brooke Mefford

Brooke, 17, plans to go to college to study psychology and photography. She participates in Students Against Destructive Decisions, Spirit Team and soccer, as well as Relay for Life, 4H and Buchanan Westerners. This is her first pageant.

#9 Trista Nyhuis

Trista, 20, is currently completing pre-requisite courses at Lake Michigan College. After graduation, she plans to join the U.S. Marine Corps as a commissioned officer. She has pledged Phi Theta Kappa, and in high school she was a competitive and sideline cheerleader and Miss Congeniality to Miss Apple Festival. She enjoys drawing, making jewelry and volunteering.

#10 Lauren Witherow

Lauren, 17, plans to attend Northern Michigan University for two years before transferring to Michigan State of Ferris State to complete a degree in optometry. She has participated in basketball, soccer, cheerleading, track, 4H and DECA. She enjoys hunting, horseback riding and fishing.

#11 Tiffany Melton

Tiffany, 17, plans to pursue a teaching career after high school. She is currently involved in both competitive and sideline cheer and coaches a middle school cheer team. She was awarded the most improved/outstanding member in choir. She started a walk for hunger in the community to raise money for the hungry and serves as a teaching assistant for preschool. This is her first pageant.

#12 Courtney Ankrapp

Courtney, 17, plans to obtain a medical technology degree at Ferris State University. She is involved with student council and has previously been involved with softball, cross country, volleyball and French Club. Her cousin Tara was Miss Buchanan 1996. This is Courtney’s first pageant.

#13 Teagan Bushouse

Teagan, 18, attends Berrien Springs High School and plans to complete her assosicate’s degree at Lake Michigan College. She is president of Berrien Springs’ student council and plays volleyball. She has been involved with mission trips to Georgia, Kentucky and Haiti, Special People’s Camp, Special Needs Prom and SONShine Circle. She was a finalist in Junior Miss Blossomtime and Junior Miss Apple Festival.