JACKSON, MI, JANUARY 12, 2015 – On Saturday evening, January 10, Emily Sioma, a 21 year-old from Grass Lake, was chosen as the new Miss Jackson Crossroads 2015 and Alaina Cook, a freshman at Lumen Christi High School was chosen as the new Miss Jackson Crossroads Outstanding Teen 2015. Held at Jackson College, the competitions featured 17 contestants from Jackson County.

Moments after being selected, Sioma shared her excitement about winning the title of Miss Jackson Crossroads.  “I am already looking forward to my duties this year – traveling, meeting new people and getting the word out about my platform, which is “Organ Donation:  Pass It On” said Sioma.

As Miss Jackson Crossroads, Sioma receives a $2,500.00 scholarship and the opportunity to compete for the Miss Michigan title in Muskegon, Michigan on June 20, 2015.  Currently a student at the University of Michigan, Sioma is majoring in Women’s Studies with a minor in Sociology. 

During her year as Miss Jackson Crossroads, Sioma will travel throughout Jackson County advocating her platform issue.  She will talk to various government representatives, business leaders, community groups and citizens-at-large, urging them to get involved in raising the awareness of organ donation.

As Miss Jackson Crossroads Outstanding Teen, Cook will promote her platform “Empowering Girls Through Physical Fitness” and will compete for the Miss Michigan Outstanding Teen title in Muskegon on June 16 and 17.   She is the daughter of Rich and Tina Cook of Jackson.

Lisa Schweizer, president of the Miss Jackson Crossroads Board of Directors commented on the new Miss Jackson Crossroads and Outstanding Teen titleholders.  “Emily and Alaina embody the qualities a role model for young women and girls should have,” said Schweizer.  “Both are talented, ambitious and accomplished.  We are excited about working with them this year.”

A number of other contestants received awards in the Miss competition including Cara Guernsey, first runner-up from Horton,  and Ginjer Serianni, second runner-up from Jackson.  In the Teen competition, Olivia Hines from Napoleon High School was first runner-up and Sophie Causie from Hanover Middle School was second runner-up. 

Established in 2013, the Miss Jackson Crossroads and Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageant provides opportunities for young women to achieve personal and professional ambitions.  Contestants also participate in community service activities and develop leadership skills that help them excel in their chosen career and life goals.  A not-for-profit affiliate of the Miss America Organization, the Miss Jackson Crossroads and Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageant has made available more than $20,000.000 in scholarships and in-kind funds to dozens of young women in Jackson County.

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation’s leading achievement programs and one of the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available millions in cash and scholarship assistance.