CASSOPOLIS — The Miss and Mr. Cassopolis Scholarship Committee is busy preparing for its 2020 pageant on Dec. 8. Currently, the program is seeking contestants for all court levels including: Miss and Mr. Cassopolis, ages 16 to 18, Teen Miss and Mr. Cassopolis, ages 13 to 15, Jr. Teen Miss and Mr. Cassopolis, ages 10 to 12, and Little Miss and Mr. Cassopolis, ages 6 to 9.

All applicants must live within the Cassopolis school district, but do not need to attend the Cassopolis School system.

“We are reaching out to students who wish to represent the community in which they live, including those who are school of choice or home schooled,” said Sue Horstmann, chairman. “The focus of the Miss and Mr. Cassopolis Scholarship Program is to provide community support by giving through programs and volunteer opportunities. It creates a strong bond with the children representing this program and the members of their hometown.”

A few programs that have experienced the impact of youth participation include: Helping Hands, Santa at Brookside Learning, Cass District Library, Cassopolis tree lighting, Cass County Animal Control, Cass County Medical Care Facility, Faith Mission, Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, Dussel’s Farm Market, Pioneer Days, Dowagiac area activities, and many Cassopolis school sporting events, according to organizers.

“We are encouraging the youth to experience what giving back is all about,” Horstmann said. “Positive opportunities equal positive results. They gain self-confidence, responsibilities, compassion and have fun. And did we mention scholarships? In 2019, we will award our program participants approximately $4,000 in scholarships and recognitions. We stay local with our funding, so contributions to this program remain local.”

Applications are available online at the Miss & Mr. Cassopolis Scholarship Program Facebook page, or prospective contestants can contact Horstmann at SoldbySue@comcast.net.