Krista Ferguson crowned Miss Michigan USA

Anya Rath, Times Herald8:45 p.m. EDT September 24, 2016

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Miss Michigan USA contestants

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Ann Marie Hodder, Bay City  Submitted

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49 Photos

Miss Michigan USA contestants

(Photo: Jeffrey M. Smith, Times Herald)

The title of Miss Michigan USA went to Krista Ferguson, Miss Northshore Bay USA, and Kenzie Weingartz, Miss Marysville Teen USA, was crowned Miss Michigan Teen on Saturday evening.

Ferguson will go on to compete in Miss USA, the winner of which will compete in Miss Universe.

Danyielle Jernukian, a friend of Ferguson's, said she knows Ferguson had worked hard for the crown.

"Ever since she first got into it in high school, you knew she really wanted it," Jernukian said. "I think she's gonna do great things and she'll be able to make a difference."

► Related: Miss Michigan USA hopefuls aspiring to be great

McMorran Arena was filled again with cheering families excited to see the Miss Michigan USA and Miss Michigan Teen USA contestants strut across the stage.

Audience members waved signs and glowsticks in the air as their loved ones graced the stage.

Steve Weingartz, of Marysville, was eagerly waiting for his daughter, Kenzie Weingartz, to compete in the Miss Michigan Teen competition. He said he has been a proud "pageant dad" and has enjoyed his responsibilities, such as steaming her dresses.

Marysville's Kenzie Weingartz reacts as she is crowned Miss Michigan Teen USA during the Miss Michigan USA and Teen USA pageant Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, at McMorran Auditorium in Port Huron. (Photo: Jeffrey M. Smith, Times Herald)

"I'm excited for her," Steve Weingartz said. "If she makes it into the top five, I'll probably pass out."

Kenzie Weingartz, 18, not only made it to the top five, she received the crown of Miss Michigan Teen USA for the coming year.

Her father said she entered the pageant because she wanted to make a difference.

Carolyn Jones, of Detroit, was at the competition to cheer on her daughter Jessica Harris, who was acting as Miss Detroit.

Though Harris did not make it into the top 15, Jones said she is beyond proud of Harris because she was able to walk across the stage and she looked radiant.

Harris has multiple sclerosis and had told Jones earlier that day that she did not think she would be able to walk.

"She was so much grace and she never skipped a beat," Jones said.

Melissa Pitchford, the executive director of the competition, said there were about 50 contestants in each competition and every woman in the show was "dynamic."

"The goal is every woman walks away more confident and empowered," Pitchford said.

This year also featured the first woman wearing a hijab, Pitchford said. Nora Hussein, Miss Eastern Michigan, made it into the top 15 of the Miss Michigan USA competition.

"Honestly, it's been a big decision for her to participate," Pitchford said.

http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/09/24/krista-ferguson-miss-michigan-usa/91056286/