NMU Grad in Miss Michigan Competition

Northern Michigan University 2022 cosmetology graduate Mikaela Bannon will make her fourth appearance in the Miss Michigan scholarship competition, scheduled June 15-20 in Muskegon. She will be among 30 candidates vying for the state title and a chance to advance to the national stage. Bannon resides in Canton and works as a cosmetologist and aesthetician in Ann Arbor. Her service initiative through the Miss America Organization revolves around skin cancer education, awareness and support.

The Rogers City native qualified for this week's competition after being crowned Miss Gem Stone earlier this year. In a March feature story in the Presque Isle County Advance, she said she is committed to promoting prevention, early detection and compassionate care within her community.

"For me, it has always been so much more than a crown," Bannon explained. "It has been about asking myself what I can do with the time I have been given to help others and to be a force for positive change. … I am so humbled by the constant support, kindness and love from this community. Every message, every conversation, every person who shows up means more than I can ever fully express."

According to her pageant bio, Bannon's career ambition is to enter the medical field as a radiology professional, bridging the gap between advanced diagnostic technology and personalized care as a holistic medical spa technician.

Bannon competed in the 2025 Miss Michigan pageant as Miss Wayne County, and was one of 11 contestants who advanced to the finals. She previously competed as Miss Shoreline in 2020 and as an invited at-large contestant in 2023, the article stated.

The Miss Michigan contestants will compete in the preliminary round Thursday, which will feature on-stage questions, a social impact initiative speech, a health and fitness portion, evening gowns and a talent showcase. Bannon will perform a modern contemporary dance to "The Night We Met." The finals will be held June 20.

Scholarships awarded through the Miss Michigan competition include $10,000 for the winner; $4,000 for runner-up; $3,000 for second runner-up; $2,000 for third runner-up; $1,500 for fourth runner-up; and $1,000 to the other five semifinalists. Miss Michigan 2026 will earn the opportunity to compete for the Miss America title Aug. 28-Sept. 6 in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Read the full March feature on Bannon here.