ST. JOSEPH — The Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program has scheduled an orientation for the 2019 Mrs. Southwest Michigan, Ms. Southwest Michigan, Miss Southwest Michigan, Miss Southwest Michigan Teen, Southwest Michigan’s Pre-Teen and Princess Program from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Blue Roof Church, 3084 Niles Road, St. Joseph. 

The Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program’s focus is to educate the young people in the greater southwest Michigan area in the areas of leadership, community service, respect and honor, according to program officials. All scholarships awarded through this Program are given to the young people in the greater southwest Michigan area only. 

The entry forms are available for the Southwest Michigan’s Pre-Teen and Princess programs.  During the program, $2,000 in scholarships and gifts will be given away. 

There are three phases of competition. The first phase is interview, which counts for 60 percent, the second phase is formal wear which counts for 30 percent and the third phase is the on-stage question, which counts for 10 percent of the contestant’s score.  The program is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at the Bridgman High School Preforming Arts Center. Young women interested must be 6 to 12 years of age and living in the greater southwest Michigan.

Also available are entry forms for the Mrs. Southwest Michigan, Ms. Southwest Michigan, Miss Southwest Michigan and Miss Southwest Michigan Teen Programs.  During the program, $8,000 in scholarships and gifts will be given away.

There are five phases of these competitions. The first phase is interview, which counts for 50 percent. The second phase is evening wear which counts for 20 percent. The third phase is active wear, which counts for 10 percent. The fourth phase is the on-stage question, which counts for 10 percent, and the fifth phase is the speech which counts for 10 percent of the contestant’s score. The program is scheduled for 6 p.m.  April 27 at the Bridgman High School Preforming Arts Center.  Women interested must be married ages 21 to 70. Single women interested must be ages 25 to 70. College bound young women interested must be ages 12 to 25. All participants must be living in southwest Michigan area.

The new representatives will be expected to do community service, volunteer in the community and promote the Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program during their year of service.

For an entry form, visit misssouthwestmichigan.org  or contact the Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program Office at (269) 428-4999.