Each year the Festival crowns a Queen of Scots, two Court members, and a Wee Queen of Scots through a process that includes an application, interview by local personnel, and a pageant that is more focused on how each young lady holds herself in front of others and is able to speak publicly. The 2024 pageant is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024. Applications are made available now pre-pageant.
In order to participate, Queen candidates must be a Gratiot County resident or attend school in Gratiot County or be a direct relation to a past or current Festival Board Member as well as be between 17-20 years of age by time of pageant. Wee Queen candidates must also be a Gratiot County resident or attend school in Gratiot County and be between 8-11 years of age by time of pageant to participate. They also can be directly related to past or current Festival Board members.
A Queen candidate is eligible for a $1500 scholarship to the school of her choice with a 1st Runner-Up and 2nd Runner-Up also receiving $500 each to the schools of their choice.
Wee Queen candidates are eligible for a $100 scholarship in addition to the title and crown.
Karly Crowe is nineteen years old and is a sophomore at Alma College. She is a proud Scot and member of the College Cross Country Team. Karly is the daughter of Cliff and Alicia Crowe and is the oldest of her siblings. Her two younger sisters are both Wee Queens. She served as a member of the 2022 Queen’s court as 2nd Runner-Up with her sister, Ozzy, as Wee Queen. This year she will serve as the 2024 Queen of Scots with her youngest sister Kiyah as Wee Queen. You can be sure to see her younger brother Keegan as an escort in the upcoming Highland Games rocking his kilt.
Karly earned the Presidential Scholarship to Alma College and is a participant in the Honors Program. She runs for the College, but also in her downtime with friends and family, it’s possible you may see her jogging downtown! She is the Technology Teacher at St. Mary School - Alma for all elementary levels and is a member of the graphic design team at Alma College. Majoring in Elementary Education, she aspires to become a local teacher and teach children a love for learning. Karly enjoys running, traveling, skiing, and playing with her German Shepherd named Vernnon. She is most looking forward to the bagpipes and welcoming guests at the Highland Festival and can’t wait to travel the State of Michigan proudly representing our hometown, Alma, Scotland, USA.
Kiyah Crowe is 8 years old and the daughter of Cliff and Alicia Crowe of Alma. She is the youngest of 4 children. Kiyah is in the second grade and loves science and math. She plays soccer and swims on the swim team. Her favorite stroke is the backstroke. Kiyah loves to be outside and especially enjoys hiking, marine life and traveling. Her favorite travel destination is Miami.
Kiyah loves music and is looking forward to the parades to hear the bands from around the state. She is excited to meet new people, to grow as an example for others, and most of all, to share this experience with her big sister Karly, the 2023 Queen of Scots.