Miss Michigan 2011, Elizabeth Wertenberger, is a walking miracle. Diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 13, she was told she’s probably never walk again and would have to move around via a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Well, if you saw her Miss America video, you know the story… not only is she walking, she’s a tumbler as well!
Miss Michigan also had a very ‘fashion forward’ look about her at Miss America… from her trendy haircut to her out-of-the-box evening gown, Elizabeth certainly had a ‘look’ you remember even when she was off stage. We know it’s that sense of style and drive to ‘prove her naysayers wrong’ that will continue to bring her success in life!
Michigan History: Michigan has had 5 Miss Americas… Patricia Donnelly in ’39, Nancy Flemming in ’61, Pam Eldred in ’70, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko in ’88 and Kirsten Haglund in ’08 (if you never saw it, google Kirsten’s evening gown from ’08 — it’s stunning and started the beaded ‘illusion dress’ trend!)
Best Junkie Research Tool: The Miss Michigan site has all the headshots located here…
Who to Watch:
Kelly Oles – 1st runner up in ’11, 3rd runner up in ’10, prelim talent winner
Elizabeth Hawthorn – 3rd runner up in ’11, MI Teen USA in ’08, community service award winner in ’11
Emily Kieliszewski – 2nd runner up in ’11, 3rd time at Miss MI
Interesting item to note… Sydney and Cameron Learman – Sisters who are both competing for the Miss Michigan title this year… Enjoy their story here… 🙂
The Junkies are “Smitten with the Mitten”!!! All the best to the new Miss Michigan!!! 🙂
MAJ
Great blog!
Just wanted to let you know though that sister story is from last year. Sydney is back this year though as Miss Capital City. The current Miss Bay County Alicia McInerney, who’s piqued interest for her talent, figure ice skating.
If you’re looking for Miss Michigan coverage MLive is ALL OVER IT this year (full disclosure: I’m their Miss Michigan reporter this week, and trust me, I’ve been so consumed with the pageant week that I’ve barely slept).
Here’s what we’ve been up to lately (we covered both teen and miss): http://topics.mlive.com/tag/miss-michigan/posts.html