l-r: 2018 Michigan Apple Court, Sarah Rasch, and 2018 Michigan Apple Queen, Emily Kropf, were crowned at the Michigan Apple Grower’s Luncheon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Emily Kropf of Lowell, Mich. has been crowned the 2018 Michigan Apple Queen. Sarah Rasch of Grand Rapids, Mich. is first runner-up. Contestants for Michigan Apple Queen must have a connection to the Michigan Apple industry in order to serve as its ambassador.

Emily Kropf is the daughter of Chris and Kim Kropf, and is a senior at Lowell Senior High School. She is the daughter of a fourth generation apple grower.

“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. Emily will be very busy in 2018 representing the industry at various parades, schools, festivals, grocery store events and more.”

Kropf 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.

Sarah Rasch is the daughter of Barb Rasch and the late Ed Rasch, and is a student at Grand Valley State University. She is the daughter, niece, cousin, and granddaughter of apple growers.

The 2018 Queen was crowned on December 5 at the 15th annual Michigan Apple Committee grower luncheon. It marks the 67th 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.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit www.MichiganApples.com.

2017 Michigan Apple Queen Hannah Rasch, right, and her Court, Michelle Alt (left).

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

Contestants for Michigan Apple Queen must have a connection to the Michigan Apple industry in order to serve as its ambassador.

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 December 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.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit http://www.michiganapples.com/www.MichiganApples.com.

Hannah Rasch (left), of Conklin, was chosen as first runner up, and Sara Reisinger (right), of Freeland, is the new 2016 Michigan Apple Queen.

GRAND RAPIDS—Sara Reisinger, of Freeland, was crowned the 2016 Michigan Apple Queen on Tuesday, December 8, and Hannah Rasch, of Conklin was chosen as first runner-up. Contestants for Michigan Apple Queen must have a connection to the Michigan Apple industry in order to serve as its ambassador.

Sara Reisinger is the daughter of Alan and Jaye Reisinger, and is a communication student at Saginaw Valley State University. She is the daughter and niece of apple growers.

Hannah Rasch is the daughter of Fred and Deanna Rasch, and is a student at Davenport University. She is the daughter and granddaughter of apple growers.

“The Michigan Apple Queen has an important role as the representative of the Michigan Apple industry,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “The candidates go through a rigorous interview and essay writing process for the competition. Sara will serve the industry well as an ambassador at schools, parades, festivals, grocery store events and more.”

Reisinger 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.

The contest took place on December 8 at the 13th annual Michigan Apple Committee grower luncheon. It marks the 65th 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.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit www.MichiganApples.com.