Mya Miller of St. Joseph has been crowned Miss Spirit 2026 following the annual Miss Spirit Pageant held Saturday, Jan. 24, at the St. Joseph High School Auditorium.
Miller, the first runner-up representing the St. Joseph community, is the daughter of Samantha and Matt Miller and a senior at St. Joseph High School. As Miss Spirit, she will receive a $1,400 scholarship along with gifts and prizes.
An honor roll student, Miller is a DECA state qualifier and has participated in the First Tee program for 12 years, including three national opportunities. She also plays varsity golf and serves as team captain. Miller plans to attend Lake Michigan College to complete her general education requirements before transferring to the University of Tennessee to major in social work, with the goal of becoming an elementary school counselor.
The 2026 Miss Spirit Pageant marked the 13th annual competition, which is held after individual community contests and is open to first runners-up. The event offers another participant the chance to take part in Blossomtime Festival activities alongside the other community queens. Miss Spirit will compete in the Showcase of Queens awards at the Mr. Blossomtime and Showcase of Queens Pageant and is eligible for awards and placements at the Miss Blossomtime Pageant.
Eighteen contestants competed for the Miss Spirit title this year. The People’s Choice Award, voted on by pageant attendees, went to Alivia Capovilla, first runner-up from Bangor/Lawrence. Additional $200 scholarships were awarded to Top 5 contestants representing Bridgman, Buchanan, Stevensville, St. Joseph and Watervliet.
Upcoming Blossomtime events include Mr. Blossomtime and the Showcase of Queens on Sunday, April 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center. The Miss Blossomtime Pageant is scheduled for Monday, April 13, at 7 p.m., also at the Mendel Center.
Premier seating for each event is $45, with general admission priced at $40. Tickets go on sale March 17 through the Blossomtime Festival Office.
