Jessica Niebauer is certain her dance moves did not earn her the title, but she was recently crowned as Miss Richmond 2017 at the annual pageant just the same.
“For the dance portion, I was really the worst dancer,” she laughed. “But at the same, time that was my favorite part of the pageant because we all danced together and it was an ice breaker for all of us.”
Hannah Kulman and Bailey White were also named by Miss Richmond’s court. White is a senior at the Richmond High School and the daughter of John and Sarah White. Kulman, is also a senior at the school, and is the daughter of Scott and Melissa Kulman.
Niebauer said she did not plan on competing in the annual event, but is glad that her friends convinced her to try out.
The pageant, sponsored by the Presnell Insurance Agency, took place before a standing room-only crowd at the Maniaici’s Banquet Center, said the pageant Chairwoman Laura Ottenbacher. The special event was emceed by Caitlyn Gordon, Miss Richmond of 2012, and the event is choreographed by Ashley Kuzatko, Miss Richmond of 2016.
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On the whole, 14 girls competed for the title. All appeared before a five-judge panel which included 2017 Miss Michigan Teen USA Kenzie Weingartz.
Ottenbacher is very much impressed with the new Miss Richmond, noting that she showed confidence, paid attention to the details and also was eager to speak with the judges without any nervousness showing.
Niebauer, aged 17, is an active senior at the Richmond High School, participating in the various clubs like National Honor Society, student government and also SADD, as well as being a player on the bowling and tennis teams.
Outside of the school, she has been an active member of the Greener Pastures 4-H Club since age 6 and also earned the coveted title of Exhibitor of the Year at the St. Clair County Fair in the last summer.
Niebauer daughter of Keven and Jennifer Niebauer, of Richmond, Jessica Niebauer plans to study nursing in the college and eventually become a nurse practitioner in an oncology unit.
She is looking forward to her reign as Miss Richmond and is also excited about starting special programs in the community and taking part in the local parades.
In planning this year’s pageant, Ottenbacher, who took over as chairwoman in the January, was eager to draw more interest from the local girls. She is greatly pleased with how things turned out.
Mrudula Duddempudi.
