BENTON TOWNSHIP — Marissa Claxton said she could not have imagined a better experience, even after falling just short of being crowned Miss Blossomtime 2015.

The Buchanan senior took second-runner up at Monday’s pageant at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center, finishing behind Miss Benton Harbor Kalabrya Gondrezick, who was crowned the 2015 Blossomtime Queen, and first-runner up Miss Eau Claire/Sodus Taylor Dustin.

Being second-runner up means Claxton extends Buchanan’s streak of having a representative on the Blossomtime Court. Last year Buchanan’s Roxie Elliot was crowned 2014 Blossomtime Queen.

“It was so much fun,” said Claxton, who was crowned Miss Buchanan in December. “It means so much just to keep bringing attention to Buchanan and supporting Buchanan. Representing them just means the world to me.”

Claxton’s legs were shaking underneath her white dress after she was named a top five finalist along with Dustin, Gondrezick, Miss Coloma Macy Welche and Miss Bloomingdale Madi Braunz.

Elliot gave Claxton a hug after she was crowned second-runner up.

“She (Elliot) said, ‘I love you,’ and that she was so proud of me because we were just so close and we are just so happy for this whole experience,” Claxton said. “I am just so blessed to be on court and have Kalaybrya as my queen. It will be such a great year.”

Claxton walked with confidence during her formal dress presentation and answered her on-stage question with ease. She was asked how she would describe her relationship with the other queens.

“I have the most amazing relationship with the other queens,” she answered. “We have grown so close and they are some of the biggest supporters I have ever had. I love them all to death and I only hope that we remain so close throughout our lives.”

As second runner up, Claxton receives $1,250 in scholarships, gift certificates, jewelry, make-up and more.

She will join the rest of the court in making appearances and doing community service throughout southwest Michigan until next year’s pageant.

“I just hope to have a positive affect on everybody that comes in contact with me and I hope to leave a lasting impact on the Blossomtime Festival,” she said.

Miss Spirit Alyssa Wainwright, of Dowagiac, was crowned Miss Congeniality — an award chosen by vote of the 23 community queens. The honor grants her a spot on the court as well.

“It is amazing honestly because Blossomtime is such a big deal and it is an honor to be part of it,” Wainwright said. “It is such a good, long-lasting program and I can’t believe it will go down in history that I’m a part of it.”

Miss Edwardsburg Kaitlyn Kutz was named People’s Choice, while Miss Niles’ Simone Smith won a random drawing for the Non-Finalist Queen’s Award.

Buchanan’s Kim Gaul was also awarded for her work as the Miss Buchanan Scholarship Pageant’s community chairperson.