Dec 6, 2016

Hannah Rasch crowned 2017 Michigan Apple Queen

Hannah Rasch of Conklin, Michigan, has been crowned the 2017 Michigan Apple Queen. Michelle Alt of Kent City, Michigan, is first runner-up.

Hannah Rasch is the daughter of Fred and Deanna Rasch, and is pursuing an associate’s degree in medical assisting and a bachelor’s degree in medical case management from Davenport University. She is the daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter and great granddaughter of apple growers.

“The Michigan Apple Industry has crowned a queen every year since 1952. Each year, the winner of the prestigious title is given the great responsibility of serving the Michigan Apple industry as its ambassador,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “The candidates go through a rigorous interview and essay writing process for the competition. Hannah will be very busy in 2017 representing the industry at various parades, schools, festivals, grocery store events and more.”

Rasch will spend the next year attending events and festivals as the face of the Michigan Apple industry. She will also travel to schools throughout Michigan teaching students about apples.

Michelle Alt is the daughter of John and Stacey Alt, and is a student at Kent City High School. She is the daughter, niece, granddaughter and great granddaughter of apple growers.

The 2017 Queen was crowned on Dec. 6 at the 14th annual Michigan Apple Committee grower luncheon. It marks the 66th year of the competition that awards an apple representative based on poise, beauty, apple knowledge and public speaking ability.

Queen contestants must be between 17 and 23 years of age and have a link to the Michigan Apple industry. The Michigan Apple Committee sponsors the annual event. The queen and first runner-up each receive scholarships from the Michigan Apple Committee and the Michigan State Horticultural Society.

For more information, visit www.michiganapples.com.