Hope College sophomore Amber Nyblad has been crowned the 2009 Michigan Apple Queen.
The Michigan Apple Queen Pageant took place on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Michigan Apple Committee.
The queen and her court represent the Michigan apple industry at parades, fairs, festivals and media events throughout the year. Contestants, between the ages of 17 and 23, are judged on several factors including poise, professionalism and apple industry knowledge.
Amber is the daughter of Nels and Luanne Nyblad of Casnovia, and has grown up in the family business, Nyblad Orchards. A 2007 graduate of Kent City High School, she is a management major and has been involved in a variety of activities at the college, including the Baker Scholars, the spring break mission trip program, Justice League, Women of Hope, the lacrosse club and the sailing club.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to market development, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption by consumers in Michigan and around the world.