Miss Celine student ambassadors describe community service, fundraisers and outreach

Students and organizers of the Miss Celine scholarship program told the Saline Area Schools Board of Education on Jan. 28 about recent volunteer work and ongoing fundraisers that benefit local nonprofits.

Lizzie White, the 76th Miss Celine, described the pageant as a scholarship‑based leadership program rather than a traditional beauty contest. "It's judged on community involvement, leadership roles, the qualities you deem to be the most important, and who you are as a person," she said.

White, first runner‑up Madeline Marshall and adviser Kim Bryant recounted outreach including elementary open houses, judging at the Celine People’s Choice Awards, parades including homecoming and the holiday parade, and civic events such as Oktoberfest and the tree lighting.

White said the program collected 1,225 toys for Toys for Tots during the recent holiday drive and has an ongoing Valentine’s Day fundraiser that donates 100% of proceeds to Ellie’s Place, a local grieving center for children and teens. The Valentine fundraiser is hosted at Brewed Awakenings on Feb. 1 and Feb. 8, White said; items are small trinkets sold for $1 each.

Adviser Kim Bryant said the program emphasizes family and continuity among participants and volunteers and that the application for next year’s contest is now live with a June 1 deadline. Board members praised the students and discussed ways the district can promote participation; no board action was taken.

The student showcase also included brief recognition of winners and scholarship recipients from the pageant and an invitation for continued board support in promoting the program to prospective contestants and community sponsors.