Miss Monroe County Payton Perry-Radcliffe heading to Miss Michigan

Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News
Updated ·3 min read
Miss Monroe County Payton Perry-Radcliffe, shown at her LaSalle home, is leaving for the Miss Michigan competition today. "My grandpa (Ritch Radcliffe) and I used to see who could throw the walnuts from the trees the furthest here from this deck when I was in preschool," Perry-Radcliffe said.
Miss Monroe County Payton Perry-Radcliffe, shown at her LaSalle home, is leaving for the Miss Michigan competition today. "My grandpa (Ritch Radcliffe) and I used to see who could throw the walnuts from the trees the furthest here from this deck when I was in preschool," Perry-Radcliffe said.

It’s been a whirlwind year for Payton Perry-Radcliffe.

The 21-year-old LaSalle woman just graduated from Grand Valley State University, and she spent the past 12 months traveling the region as Miss Monroe County. Today, she’s heading to Muskegon, where she’ll compete for the title of Miss Michigan. The new titleholder will be announced Saturday.

More: Miss Michigan stage to include local competitors, princess court

“At the Michigan level, it’s bigger than just me. I want to go and do my personal best and do it for Monroe County,” Perry-Radcliffe said. “I want people to be proud of who is representing their county.”

Accompanying Perry-Radcliffe to Muskegon will be her mom, Kendra Radcliffe, some family members and friends, and Dione Oerther, Miss Monroe County executive director. Four other local young women also will compete for titles this week in Muskegon.

Perry-Radcliffe’s competition week will begin Wednesday and will include an interview, on-stage conversation, and talent, evening gown, and health and fitness competitions.

Miss Monroe County Payton Perry-Radcliffe peeks through a few of the dresses and outfits she's taking to Muskegon. "I am really excited about my talent dress," she said about the white dress. "We added cape-like wings, custom sewn, so they look like wings as an angel. It goes perfect with the Christian song I am singing, 'You Say' by Lauren Daigle." Also hanging are her lime green fitness wear, a pink dress to wear to Miss Teen, an indigo evening gown and day outfits to wear from Sofi Stella Boutique in Monroe.

For her talent, Perry-Radcliffe will sing “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. “Unity through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” is her community service initiative.

To prepare for the on-stage interview, Perry-Radcliffe practiced her public speaking skills with former Miss Monroe County titleholders, Bobb Vergiels and the Newcomer family.

“I never knew who I’m going to see,” Perry-Radcliffe said. “The mentors have helped me learn what my filler words are. That’s something you don’t really know until someone tells you. I’m learning to be more confident in my speaking and answering short and concise. I tend to ramble. The interviews really pushed me to stay true to myself. Lots of self-reflection goes into any form of pageantry.”

Perry-Radcliffe, the first Black Miss Monroe County in the program’s 60-year history, was crowned last August. Attending local events was the highlight of her reigning year.

“I’d say (I made) close to 40 or so,” Perry-Radcliffe said. “I love getting to meet people. That has been the biggest honor and the best thing. I just love meeting people and hearing their stories and hearing about them, seeing who’s in the county and who I’m going to represent.”

Miss Monroe County Payton Perry-Radcliffe and Miss Monroe County Teen MaKayla Dickinson have a little fun taking a selfie photo while attending the Alzheimer Walk last October in Monroe. Payton and MaKayla will compete this coming week in Muskegon for the Miss Michigan and Miss Michigan Teen titles.
Miss Monroe County Payton Perry-Radcliffe and Miss Monroe County Teen MaKayla Dickinson have a little fun taking a selfie photo while attending the Alzheimer Walk last October in Monroe. Payton and MaKayla will compete this coming week in Muskegon for the Miss Michigan and Miss Michigan Teen titles.

She also enjoyed her Diversity Awareness through Literacy project, a book drive. Perry-Radcliffe created a wish list of titles that celebrate diversity, including “The World Needs More Purple People” by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart and her own childhood favorite, “I Like Myself” by Karen Beaumont.

About 40 books were collected, and she donated them to area schools. She also visited several classrooms this year.

“When I ran for Miss Monroe, in my paperwork I said that I want to read to students,” Perry-Radcliffe said. “I Like Myself” was her favorite book to share.

“It’s about loving yourself, regardless of how you look or what people say,” Perry-Radcliffe said. “It’s more popular than I thought. Kids seem to really like it. The pictures are fun, bright and kind of silly.”

Perry-Radcliffe's reigning year ends in August, when she will crown the new Miss Monroe County.

She said her future may include more competitions, but it definitely holds more education. Her degree from GVSU is in integrative studies with an emphasis on health and communications.

“I will be attending dental school at some point. I’m working this summer, getting some office experience,” Perry-Radcliffe said.

Despite the hectic schedule, she enjoyed her time representing Monroe County.

“I knew it was going to be a lot. I was pretty much home every week from college, doing Miss Monroe events,” she said. “I missed a lot of my senior year in college. It’s definitely worth it though. I’m so glad I did it. It’s an opportunity that not many get to have.”

Tickets are still available for the Miss Michigan and other competitions at the Frauenthal Theater in Muskegon. Miss Preliminary competition is on June 15; tickets are $40. Teen competition is on June 16; tickets are $45. Miss Michigan final night competition is on June 17; tickets are $45. For tickets and more information, visit frauenthal.org.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Miss Monroe County Payton Perry-Radcliffe heading to Miss Michigan