NISSWA — Pequot Lakes High School senior Madeline Ryan was crowned Miss Nisswa at the 50th anniversary scholarship pageant Saturday, April 2, at Nisswa Elementary School.
Ryan, the daughter of Deb and Pete Ryan, will serve along with First Princess Brooke Krivich, a Brainerd High School senior, and Miss Congeniality Alexis Shaw, also a Pequot Lakes High School senior.
Ryan received a $3,000 educational scholarship from the Nisswa Youth Scholarship Organization for claiming the crown, along with $100 for winning the personal interview portion of the night.
Krivich earned a $1,500 scholarship, along with $200 for winning both the essay and talent contests, while Shaw brought home a $500 scholarship.
In the talent part of the pageant, Krivich performed “Songs Without Words” on the piano while Shaw sang “21st Century Machine” by Catie Turner and Ryan sang “Momma’s Song” by Carrie Underwood.
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Areas of competition included the essay, personal interview, talent, evening gown and on-stage question.
Earning the titles of Little Miss Nisswa for 2022 were Adalyne Peterson, Elissabeth Sparrow and Harper Wilczek. Their names were drawn from a field that also included Silver Estrada, Avery Ager, Scarlet Johnson and Callie Wheeler.
Prior to the naming of the Little Miss Nisswas, all seven Little Miss contestants performed a dance number called “Get Up (if you wanna get down).”
As a part of the event's 50th anniversary, former Miss Nisswas were invited, with five former winners briefly taking the stage.
Outgoing royalty at the pageant included 2021 Miss Nisswa Samantha Jackson, 2021 Princess Carsyn Krassa and 2021 Miss Congeniality Sonja Palmer, as well as reigning Little Miss Nisswas Lucy Smith, Charlotte Halvorson and Olivia Waagmeester.
The event was emceed by Brainerd native and 2014 Miss Minnesota Savannah Cole.
Dan Determan, sports writer/staff writer, may be reached at 218-855-5879 or dan.determan@pineandlakes.com . Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Dan.
