Welcome Home, Miss Minnesota!

Rochester's own Madeline Van Ert -- Miss Minnesota 2016 -- just returned from The Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey -- where she was named Miss Congeniality 2017 (They do the pageant in 2016, but its for the 2017 reign. I know it's confusing, but she is Miss Minnesota 2016 and the Miss America Miss Congeniality 2017) by her fellow competitors -- all of the contestants vote on who they think is the friendliest and Madeline won -- which is a HUGE honor! Mayor Ardell Brede will be honoring her next Tuesday, September 27th from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Rochester Golf and Country Club (light hors d'oevres, wine, and water will be served).

It doubt it surprised anybody that knows Madeline to watch her win Miss Congeniality, she is simply the best -- and really takes that whole "Minnesota Nice" motto to heart!

Madeline is studying Political Science and Latin at the University of Minnesota, where she also interns for the Minnesota State Legislature, and she is also an advocate for the arts and arts education through her program, The Arts Project.

Make sure to come and welcome her home on Tuesday!