Hannah Palmer, a third‑grade teacher at Haisley Elementary in Ann Arbor, is preparing for what could be her breakthrough moment on the Miss Michigan stage. This isn’t her first rodeo – she’s already made four attempts – but the stakes feel higher than ever. The potential $15,000 scholarship attached to the crown would cover most of the tuition for a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, a step that could launch her into the statewide social‑emotional learning (SEL) arena.
Family roots and the spark of competition
Palmer’s love affair with pageants started long before she ever set foot on a stage herself. Her mother entered the Miss Michigan contest in 1989, and the two would gather each year to watch the Miss America broadcast together. “I grew up watching with her every year and loved witnessing the talents, ambitions and confidence of the women competing,” Palmer says. That early exposure sowed the seeds for her own entry into the world of pageantry at age 18, initially driven by the promise of scholarship money and a boost in self‑esteem.
What began as a pragmatic move soon turned into a personal mission. Over five years of competing, Palmer notes she has “grown exponentially as a person,” gaining confidence, networking opportunities and lasting friendships. Each competition taught her that setbacks are simply setups for comebacks – a lesson she now brings back to her classroom.
Teaching, pageantry, and a vision for the future
As an educator, Palmer sees the pageant circuit as an extension of her teaching toolkit. “It’s okay if you get it wrong, as long as you try,” she tells her students, mirroring the mantra she lives by. Her upcoming talent performance, titled “HERStory,” weaves together a literal school desk signed by her pupils with a spoken narrative about teachers who believed in them, underscoring how mentorship can spark ambition.
The scholarship money has a clear purpose: to finance a master’s degree that would equip Palmer to design SEL curricula for the entire state. She envisions partnering with companies that specialize in social‑emotional learning, helping teachers integrate evidence‑based practices that nurture resilience, empathy, and academic success.
Beyond personal goals, Palmer hopes her journey will inspire other educators and students alike. By showcasing that adults, too, can stumble and rise again, she aims to normalize perseverance as a lifelong skill. Her story blends the glamour of the pageant world with the grit of the classroom, proving that confidence and compassion can coexist on any stage.
Should she finally clinch the Miss Michigan crown, Palmer plans to keep the spotlight on education, using her platform to champion scholarship access, mental‑health resources, and community mentorship programs across Michigan.
Hello, my name is Kieran Beauchamp, and I am a fashion and beauty expert with years of experience in the industry. I have worked with renowned fashion houses and beauty brands, enabling me to develop a distinct eye for style and aesthetics. My passion for writing has led me to create engaging content about the latest trends, tips, and tricks in fashion and beauty. I believe in empowering others to feel confident in their appearance and take pride in sharing my knowledge with those seeking to enhance their style.