New title holders crowned at the Miss Sunrise Side Scholarship Program
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LINCOLN – On Oct. 17, Alcona High School hosted the Miss Sunrise Side Scholarship Program, an official local preliminary to the Miss America Organization.
The evening brought together inspiring young women from across the region to compete in private interview, activewear, talent, evening wear, and an on-stage question while vying for scholarships and community leadership opportunities. The program also offered a special moment of gratitude to outgoing Miss Sunrise Side 2025 Lauren Mroczek and Sunrise Side’s Teen 2025 Alana Kowalski, thanking them for their dedicated year of service and inspiring reigns.
The crown for Miss Sunrise Side 2026 was awarded to Mikaela Bannon of Ypsilanti, Michigan, formerly of Rogers City. The proud daughter of Bill and Missy Bannon, Mikaela is a graduate of Rogers City High School and Northern Michigan University, where she earned her degrees in Cosmetology and Aesthetician Sciences through NMU’s esteemed College of Technology and Occupational Sciences. She is deeply familiar with the organization, having previously served as Miss Sunrise Side’s Outstanding Teen back in 2015. In addition to capturing the overall title and a $1,000 scholarship for her further education, Bannon’s performance earned her both the Spirit of the Sisterhood Award and the Interview Award. She will advance her community service initiative, Forwarding the Future: Building a Pathway for the Trades, as she prepares to represent the region at the Miss Michigan state competition held in June in Muskegon.
Alongside her, Alaina Weyrowske of Gladwin, Michigan, was crowned Miss Sunrise Side’s Teen.
The proud daughter of Jessica and Michael Weyrowske, Alaina is a student at H.H. Dow High School in Midland and a dual-enrolled student at Northern University, where she is on track to earn her Associate’s Degree in Business Management this coming May. In addition to winning her crown, Alaina’s performance earned her both the Interview Award and the Talent Award. She will advance her personal community service initiative, Getting Involved: The Impact of Youth Leadership, throughout her reign.
Both titleholders will spend the coming year making appearances throughout the region, representing the Sunrise Side, championing their personal initiatives, and preparing for the state-level competition at the historic Frauenthal Theater.