Michigan Sugar Co. plans to crown its 2018 Michigan Sugar Queen and court attendants at the 54th annual Michigan Sugar Festival at 7 p.m. June 15 in Sebewaing.

Fourteen women from throughout Michigan Sugar’s growing area are vying to become the company’s next ambassadors through the Michigan Sugar Queen Scholarship Program. Here is a look at each of the finalists:

Heidi Bierlein, 18, of Vassar. Bierlein is a graduate of Vassar High School and is pursuing a business degree at Baker College. She is the daughter of Brian and Karen Bierlein.

Sayge Cuthrell, 19, of Cass City. Cuthrell is a senior at Cass City High School and plans to study nursing at Ferris State University. She is the daughter of Scott and Amy Cuthrell.

Bailie Gagne, 18, of Midland. Gagne is a senior at Bullock Creek High School and plans to study elementary education at Central Michigan University. She is the daughter of Troy and Kimberly Gagne.

Ashley Gibbs, 18, of Almont. Gibbs is a senior at Almont High School and plans to study agricultural education at Michigan State University. She is the daughter of Kevin and Brenda Gibbs.

Grace Kern, 18, of Reese. Kern is a senior at Reese High School and plans to attend Central Michigan University to study computer science. She is the daughter of Paul and Lisa Kern.

Jannah LeBean, 17, of Bay City. LeBean is a senior at All Saints Central High School and plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to study cellular biology. She is the daughter of Bernard and Darlene LaBean.

Paige Lupcke, 21, of Saginaw. Lupcke is a graduate of Bay City Central High School and attends Delta College, where she is part of the Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology program. She hopes to complete her degree at Michigan State University. She is the daughter of Rick and Christie Lupcke.

Montana Maher, 18, of Silverwood. Maher is a senior at North Branch High School and plans to study public and nonprofit administration at Eastern Michigan University. She is the daughter of Lee Maher and Karen Ferkowicz.

Anastasia Melnik, 17, of Imlay City. Melnik is a senior at Imlay City High School and plans to study biochemistry at the University of Michigan-Flint. She is the daughter of Maxim and Ann Marie Melnik.

Morganne Narrin, 18, of Fostoria. Narrin is a senior at Mayville High School. She plans to study zoology at Michigan State University. She is the daughter of Barry and Candice Narrin.

Amanda Neumann, 18, of Essexville. Neumann is a senior at Essexville-Hampton Garber High School and plans to study management at Michigan State University. She is the daughter of Andrew and Jean Neumann.

Rachel Phillips, 18, of Almont. Phillips is a senior at Almont High School and will be attending Oakland University where she plans to study veterinary medicine. She is the daughter of Robert and Ann Phillips.

Reaghan Scott, 19, of Bay City. Scott is a graduate of Bay City Western High School and attends Delta College where she is studying dentistry. She is the daughter of Mark and Beth Scott.

Ashleigh Sherd, 17, of Akron. Sherd is a senior at Akron-Fairgrove High School and plans to study veterinary medicine at Delta College. She is the daughter of Kristoffer Sherd and Tanya Volkert.

Through the Michigan Sugar Queen Scholarship Program, a queen and two attendants are chosen to serve for one year as ambassadors for Michigan Sugar Co. Their duties include public appearances, community service projects, interaction with lawmakers and agriculture leaders and helping to represent Michigan Sugar throughout the state.

After completing the requirements of the program, the queen receives a $2,000 scholarship and each attendant a $1,000 scholarship to be used to help pay for college.

Following the June 15 crowning event, the new Michigan Sugar queen and court attendants will take part in the 54th annual Michigan Sugar Festival Grand Parade at 10:30 a.m. June 16 in Sebewaing. After the parade, the queen and court will be at the festival grounds to meet with festival-goers and pose for photographs.

More information about this year’s festival, including a complete schedule of events, is available at sebewaingchamber.com.

Source: Michigan Sugar Co.