University of Michigan Senior Alexandria Strother Crowned Miss Washtenaw County 2014

On Saturday, October 18, University of Michigan Senior Alexandria Strother was crowned Miss Washtenaw County 2014 during the Miss Washtenaw County Scholarship Program’s 20th anniversary pageant. Strother, 21, expressed deep knowledge of and commitment to her platform topic, Women in STEM, and performed an operatic vocal to Credete al mio dolore from Handel’s Alcina to win the title and a $2,000 in cash and more than $15,000 in in-kind scholarship.

“We’re excited to begin this year with Alexandria,” explained Laura Bloomensaat, Executive Director of the Miss Washtenaw County Scholarship Program. “Her platform of promoting Women in STEM couldn’t be more timely and we look forward to sharing that message throughout Washtenaw County

Strother, the daughter of Michael and Monic Strother of Ann Arbor, is a double major studying electrical engineering and vocal performance. She is a 2011 graduate of Huron High School. Post-graduation, she aspires to work as an electrical engineer and eventually work her way into an engineering management role.

“I am beyond excited to begin my year of service as Miss Washtenaw County as I work to promote my platform of Women in STEM,” said Strother. “I am incredibly thankful that throughout the entire process I have received nothing but support from my fellow contestants and the volunteers of the Miss America Organization. The opportunity to have a larger voice within the community is extremely humbling and I look forward to using that voice to continue to improve the great place that is Washtenaw County.”

Established in 1995, the Miss Washtenaw County Scholarship Program is a local franchise of the Miss Michigan and Miss America Organizations. Over the past 20 years, nearly 250 young women who lived or went to school in Washtenaw County have competed for the opportunity to be crowned Miss Washtenaw and utilize their scholarships toward completing their education. To date, the program has awarded more than $175,000 in scholarships.