On November 6, 2016, after hearing their names called as runners-up so many times, Demie Johnson and Lily Padgett finally had their crowns placed upon their heads.

Demie, a 21-year-old Ball State University student and Michigan City native, was named Miss Great Lakes 2017. For her talent, Demie sang “For Good” from the musical “Wicked.” Her platform is Cancer Awareness: Educate to Eliminate.

Lily, a 16 year old student at Bloomington North High School, was named Miss Great Lakes Outstanding Teen 2017. Lily’s talent was performing sign language to “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato. Her platform is Save a Life.

Miss South Bend Titleholders were also crowned. Grace Haase, a 19 year old student at Saint Mary’s College, sang her way to the Miss South Bend title with “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from the musical “Phantom of the Opera.” Chloe Benham danced her way to the Miss South Bend’s Outstanding Teen title with a lyrical dance to “Rise Up”

Each Miss winner was awarded a $400 scholarship, and the Teen winners were awarded a $150 scholarship.

Each division named a first runner-up. Miss 1RU was awarded a $100 scholarship, and Teen 1RU was awarded a $75 scholarship. Runners-up were:
Miss: Alexandra Lowery (Vocal)
Teen: Malana Pashea (Tap Dance)

Spirit Awards were also given, and the winners were chosen by their fellow contestants. Spirit Award winners were:
Miss: Katrina Languell
Teen: Hanna Malaise

Other contestants, who did an absolutely phenomenal job, were:

MISS: Haley Jones, Dezhane Moseley, Andrea Kline, & Jessie Dove
TEEN: Kierra Hilts & Kennedy Barry

Congratulations to all! Newly crowned titleholders, we look forward to the year ahead. To the other 10 ladies, keep pursuing the crown! You’re all absolutely incredible and we were so happy to spend the day with you!