Saginaw Valley State University

06/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/11/2025 08:16

SVSU students to compete in 2025 Miss Michigan pageant

June 11, 2025

SVSU students to compete in 2025 Miss Michigan pageant

Saginaw Valley State University will be well represented in the 2025 Miss Michigan competition, June 12-14 in Muskegon. Three women with ties to SVSU are among the 22 Miss Michigan contestants who will compete for scholarships and the chance to represent the state in the Miss America pageant.

Ashley Cetnarowski, who holds the title of Miss Heart of Michigan, is an elementary and special education major from East Jordan. Her service initiative, "She Is Her Own Hero," is centered on youth empowerment and learning from failure. Cetnarowski is involved in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program and volunteers with FIRST Robotics, including the state championship at SVSU. A nontraditional, first-generation college student, Cetnarowski credits SVSU with helping her succeed.

"I am grateful to not only represent my hometown region of northern Michigan, but to also bring the Red Pride of being a full-time, nontraditional college student at Saginaw Valley State University," Cetnarowski said. "SVSU has been central to my success post-failure, and I could not be more grateful for their support. I am a firm believer in the statement, 'empowered women empower women.' This is my first time at the state level of Miss Michigan, and I am excited to spend a week alongside kind, talented women from across the entire state."

Maddison Hubbert, Miss Flat River Heritage 2025, is a public health major from Belding who is completing her final degree requirements. Her platform, "Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Future," advocates for youth leadership and focuses on helping young people grow confidence and the skills to be leaders in their communities. Hubbert noted that youth involved in leadership programs are more likely to pursue higher education and civic engagement.

"This is my first time competing at Miss Michigan, and I'm excited to embrace every part of the experience, especially connecting with my sister queens and representing my hometown," Hubbert said. She has earned more than $10,000 in scholarships through the Miss America Opportunity. "Because of Miss America, I found my voice, my school, and my future," she said.

Samantha Pickelman, Miss Saginaw County, graduated in May with a general studies degree and is from Auburn. Her platform, "Memories Matter," focuses on support, education and compassion for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Pickelman said her experience in the Miss America Organization has challenged her and changed her views on pageants. She added that scholarships earned through competitions helped her pay for college, and she plans to continue participating in local competitions.

"Most people are unaware of this, but in the Miss America pageant, I was never once judged on my appearance," she said. "It is all for what I have to say and what I have done within the community. We don't view each other as competition. I have met some of the kindest girls competing."

For more information about upcoming competitions, visit http://missmichiganusa.com/.

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