St. Clair Shores Home to Royalty

St. Clair Shores is home to royalty following this weekend's Miss Michigan Pageant.

Marissa Cowans, 17, was crowned Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen and will be representing Michigan next month in Orlando at the national pageant.

"She is very natural, she is very easygoing and easy to get to know," said Elizabeth Munger, Miss St. Clair Shores executive director. "She cherishes every moment."

Cowans, who attends , was first runner up in the Little Miss St. Clair Shores and is currently Miss Teen St. Clair Shores. Now, with her new title, she will be representing the city and state at the Miss America Outstanding Teen Aug. 16-20 in Orlando.

The success of Cowans was noted on the St. Clair Shores Patch Facebook page where Sara-rose Kite Melby posted, "she will represent us and compete in Florida to be miss America's outstanding teen! way to go Marissa!"

Bonnie Garofalo, posted a short, but sweet item, "Congrats Marissa ... Way to go Lakeview!!"

Miss St. Clair Shores Brenna O'Malley did not bring home the crown in the statewide competition for Miss Michigan, but did receive a $1,000 Stacy Essebaggers-Shepherd Educational Award. 

O'Malley, a senior at Oakland University who is pursuing a major in elementary education and minor in dance, was told she had a wonderful interview and will be an "excellent" teacher, Munger shared.

O'Malley won a total of $1,400 in scholarships, and Cowans received a $1,000 savings bond.

Preparations are already under way to crown a new Miss St. Clair Shores. The 58th annual pageant, which will be held on July 30 at .