Ms. Great Lakes AmeriFest

This weekend we traded the curling irons for the sparkles! 💙

Had the best time today making an appearance at Oak Fest in Oak Park MI! 🌳✨
With over 50 incredible vendors, the energy was amazing and the community showed up big time. I loved getting to walk around, meet everyone, and support some fantastic local businesses.

Today, we pause, remember, and honor. 💙

Making friends in a new town isn't always easy, so I wanted to create a safe space for women to connect and get creative. Huge thanks to The Creative Arts Studio and the Royal Oak Girls Group for making my vision come true! 🌀🤍

I left covered in clay but my sash was safe! 🫶

My neighboring state Ohio treated me well this month. From repping the Tigers at the Great American Ball Park to winning the title in Columbus, it’s been two weekends of highs. A tough loss for Detroit, but a major win for the new Ms. Great Lakes! 🫶

Hello everyone!

I am Valerie and a few weeks ago I traveled to Ohio from Michigan to compete in the Great Lakes AmeriFest Pageant, and I am so honored to share that I was crowned Ms. Great Lakes! 👑

I’ll be heading to North Carolina this July to represent the region at the AmeriFest National Pageants! 😁


Miss Great Lakes Festival Pageants / AmeriFest Pageants

As I stand here today as my last day as your Ms. Great Lakes, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for a year that has forever changed my heart.

When I first received this title, I knew I wanted to use my voice to advocate for something bigger than myself—something rooted in kindness, compassion, and acceptance. My platform, “Inclusion for All,” was not just a message… it became a mission.

This year, I had the incredible honor of volunteering with organizations like Best Buddies International and Special Olympics—communities that showed me what true friendship, joy, and inclusion look like. These experiences reminded me that inclusion is not just about making space for others, but about celebrating them exactly as they are.

One of my most cherished memories was being part of Night to Shine—a night where every individual is seen, valued, and celebrated as royalty. Watching each guest walk the red carpet, crowned with confidence and joy, was a moment that perfectly captured why inclusion matters. Because everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and loved.

Through every appearance, every conversation, and every connection, I learned that inclusion starts with us—in the words we choose, the kindness we show, and the way we uplift others.

To my director Carrie Layne, thank you for trusting me with this title and guiding me along the way. To my family and friends, thank you for being my constant source of strength. And to everyone I’ve had the privilege of meeting this year—thank you for allowing me to share in your stories and your light.

To the next Ms. Great Lakes: wear this crown with purpose. Lead with love. And remember that your impact is not measured by how many people know your name, but by how many people feel seen because of you.

As I take my final farewell, I do so with a full heart, knowing that this journey does not end here. Inclusion is not just my platform—it is my lifelong promise.

Thank you for allowing me to serve.
Signing off as your 2025-2026 Ms Great Lakes Astrid Guay