Miss St. Clair Shores Scholarship Pageant Volunteer Celebrates Half Century

For almost as long Miss St. Clair Shores has been crowned, Dave Martin has been a volunteer and had a role in the pageant.

This year is no different as Martin will celebrate his 50th year Saturday of volunteering for the scholarship pageant.

During his tenure he has seen hundreds of young women win thousands of dollars in scholarship money in the pageant, and two Miss St. Clair Shores have gone on to win Miss Michigan.

He started volunteering in 1962 as part of the sound crew, and hasn't looked back since.

"They look at me as the answer guy and the guy who tries to solve problems," he said.

The 64-year-old resident has held a variety of positions with the pageant including stage crew, producer, secretary, advertising sales chair, vice president, president and executive director.

“Everything other than the treasurer and backstage hostess," he said. His efforts went beyond the local pageant, and included working security, stage crew and field director for the Miss Michigan pageant.

"Over the years, it has warmed my heart to see the girls grow up and become something with their talents," he said.

Martin's efforts also go beyond pageant night. He also helped establish, and currently is a co-chair, of the Lac Ste. Claire Art Fair. The event is a major fundrasier for the pageant's scholarship funds.

"David is still a vital member of the Miss St. Clair Shores Scholarship Program and we are certainly excited to honor him this year," Elizabeth Munger, pageant chairwoman, wrote in an email.

Through the years he has helped console participants, driven Miss St. Clair Shores in a number of parades and watched young women "flourish" as individuals. And now his son, Justin, is following in his footsteps and is involved in the pageant.

"It is nice to see him follow in my footsteps," the elder Martin said.

And while he may not running lights, sound and other behind-the-scenes pageant activities, he will not be a stranger. "I will keep involved as long as I can walk, eat and show up," Martin said.