Behind the Headlines

By Paula Wethington / paula@monroenews.com

When I saw the Miss America Kristen Haglund’s homecoming schedule at www.missmichigan.org, I quickly realized three members of Miss Monroe’s royalty were on the VIP list for the Feb. 29 and March 1 events in Muskegon.

But I held off on a report until I contacted the Miss Monroe County Scholarship Program committee to make sure I didn’t miss anybody. Then I learned a total 40 people will be part of the local delegation. Wow!

A story with all their names and affiliations is on page 7B of today’s print and e-editions of The Monroe Evening News. In the meantime, here’s a salute to the local royalty who are officially part of the festivities:

• Melissa Cousino, who was Miss Monroe County 2006 and now holds the title of Miss Spirit of the State 2007.
• Cassidy Nugent, who was Junior Miss Monroe County 2006 and now holds the title of Michigan’s Little Miss.
• And, of course, Kaye Lani Rafko Wilson of Monroe, who was Miss America 1988.