Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

Hannah Palmer, a 2018 Brighton High School grad, was crowned Miss Michigan during the 86th annual scholarship competition in Muskegon over the weekend.

The 24-year-old is now a third-grade teacher in Ann Arbor, saying she wants to "be that leader, be that shining light and that role model for so many."

According to MLive, many of her students were on hand to root for Palmer, also Miss Spirit of the State.

Palmer wore sparkling blue evening gown and performed a spoken word monologue about being an educator.

Through that HerStory talent, she brings her students on stage with their signatures on a school desk she uses as a prop. Palmer said we all have a teacher who believed in us and inspired us.

Palmer won the elegance in interview award Saturday night for speaking about the late Rita Pierson, an educator for 40 years with a popular Ted Talk, who she said embodied the idea that teachers can change the world.

There were 22 contestants when the scholarship competition kicked off Thursday.

The competition continued Saturday with the top 11 finalists gracing the stage to share their social impact initiative, answer an on-stage question, perform talent and model evening wear.


This was Palmer’s fifth year competing for the Miss Michigan crown. She said she was at a loss for words after winning.

"All night, I just felt a big sense of peace and a sense of accomplishment," she said. "I just feel so calm and ready and excited to serve the state of Michigan."