The newest member of Dowagiac’s royal sisterhood will be crowned later this month, as the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant hosts its 77th ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 23.

Over the next two weeks, the Dowagiac Daily News will feature the profiles of the 10 ladies vying for the crown.

This year’s pageant will begin at 7 p.m. inside the Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center. Tickets for the event are available inside the office of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, inside the Dowagiac train depot.

Name: Gabby Harrison

Contestant number: 8

Age: 17

Height: 5 foot 7

Eye color: Brown

Parents/guardians: Ann and Tim Hesson

Brothers/sisters: I have no brothers or sisters

School attending: Dowagiac Union High School

Grade: 12

School activities: National Honor Society, student senate, honors English program

Outside activities: Girls varsity basketball

Interests and hobbies: Staying fit, sewing, making crafts

Awards and honors: high honors, arch carrier, MVP for girls basketball

Three words to describe you: Confident, assiduous, caring.

What are your ambitions and plans after graduation? I plan on moving to Florida in summer, after I graduate, for college. My plans are to attend the University of Southern Florida to pursue a degree in dental hygiene.

What are your greatest accomplishments? I believe my greatest accomplishment would be achieving high honors throughout my whole high school career.

Why did you decide to compete for the title of Miss Dowagiac? I decided to compete for the title of Miss Dowagiac to take part in the experience — of competing, of being a part of the court and being able to have the sense of family long after the pageant.