Hannah Palmer says she’d use the scholarship money to earn a master’s degree
As she prepares for her fifth attempt at the Miss Michigan 2025 crown, Hannah Palmer embodies the very lesson she teaches her students daily: “It’s okay if you get it wrong, as long as you try.”
Palmer’s journey to the Miss Michigan stage began with family tradition. Her mother competed for the same title in 1989, and the two would watch the Miss America competition together each year.
“I grew up watching with her every year and loved witnessing the talents, ambitions and confidence of the women competing,” Palmer recalls.
What started as an 18-year-old’s quest for scholarship money and confidence-building has evolved into something deeper.
“I have grown exponentially as a person in my time competing,” she says. “Confidence, networking, and friendships are just a few of the incredible things I have been able to gain.”
Now, as she prepares for her fifth competition, Palmer views the experience through the lens of an educator who understands the power of perseverance. The potential $15,000 scholarship would allow her to pursue a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction nearly debt-free, advancing her goal of eventually working with social-emotional learning curriculum companies to support teachers and students statewide.
“With this being my fifth trip to compete for the job of Miss Michigan, I am able to teach my students about perseverance and that things aren’t always perfect on the first try for adults either,” she says. “Through my HERStory talent, I am able to bring my students onstage with me, with their signatures on a school desk that I use as a prop. I share how each of us had that one teacher who believed in us and inspired us to follow our dreams.”
Her students have become her biggest cheerleaders, creating handmade cards depicting their teacher wearing a crown and sash. When Palmer shared the news of her competition, the entire class wanted to try on her sash, leading to an impromptu parade around the classroom.
“They think it is the coolest thing ever,” she says.
In July 2024, Palmer was crowned Miss Spirit of the State, securing her spot in the 2025 Miss Michigan Scholarship Competition. She has spent the time since volunteering with community organizations, sharing social-emotional learning resources, and preparing for the state competition.
The 2022 Eastern Michigan University graduate discovered her passion for elementary education early, drawn to the infectious energy and daily surprises that come with teaching eight-year-olds.
“I love my students’ excitement every day and our community,” Palmer says. “No two days are the same, and it’s incredible seeing their personalities and confidence grow throughout the year. My favorite are the ‘ah-ha’ moments when something clicks and I see their face light up! I have the best job in the world.”
Palmer’s impact extends far beyond her classroom. When she’s not grading papers or planning lessons, she’s running The Sunflower Project, a nonprofit organization she founded to provide social-emotional learning resources to students, schools, and communities across Michigan. Through this initiative, Palmer has distributed over $10,000 in SEL resources and psychiatric care grants across seven counties, even partnering with MTV for their Mental Health Action Day.
The balancing act between full-time teaching and pageant preparation requires what Palmer calls “organization, support from my colleagues and family.” But she sees the skills as complementary rather than competing. Teaching has prepared her for the Miss Michigan role in unexpected ways, from adapting to constantly changing schedules to connecting with people across all ages and backgrounds.
“As an elementary school teacher, I interact and connect with people of all ages and backgrounds every day,” Palmer explains. “It’s through these experiences that I have seen the importance and value of connection. Also, as a teacher, we are constantly adapting and changing based on the needs of our students and are very flexible.”
If crowned Miss Michigan, Palmer plans to visit schools and communities statewide, sharing SEL resources and discussing the power of connection and perseverance. She would also compete for Miss America in September, representing Michigan on the national stage.
Asked what she thinks sets her apart from other contestants, she says: “Truly, being Miss Palmer. Through teaching and volunteering, I have seen the impact of listening to those around you and building relationships. As a classroom teacher, I am able to interact and engage with people of all ages and backgrounds, learn from them and collaborate with them. These skills have uniquely prepared me for this job.”
The Brighton native lives with her mother and younger brother Josh. When she’s not teaching, competing, or running her nonprofit, Palmer can be found taking workout classes, baking, or playing with her three-year-old dog Winnie and nine-month-old kitten Ezzy.
Regardless of the competition’s outcome, Palmer has already gained what she considers the real prize.
“I would not be the person I am today without this organization,” she says. “This experience has taught me the importance of authenticity and investing in yourself. My students are able to see firsthand that you can ‘do it all.’ There is no doubt in my mind that I have won the experience – even if I don’t win the crown.”
The Miss Michigan competition will take place from June 9th to June 14th in Muskegon, with preliminary competition held at the Frauenthal Theater on June 12th and finals on Saturday, June 14th. Palmer will compete in various phases of competition, including a private interview with the judges, on-stage question, fitness, talent, and evening gown competition. She will compete alongside 22 young women representing communities across the state.
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