Salvador Dalí once said, “A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others”
… and that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do 🎨🫧🤍
As Miss Michigan, I had the privilege to engage in meaningful advocacy for the arts, foster connections with diverse individuals and communities across the nation, while simultaneously embarking on an empowering journey of self-discovery. This transformative period has strengthened my commitment to service and provided insights about myself and those around me.
In a year of loss, I have gained so much. My year of service as Miss Michigan has been a testament to the transformative power of service, advocacy, and art in effecting positive change.
People often ask what you want your legacy to be as a titleholder. I hope that I have left a colorful path full of kindness, authenticity, and vulnerability for other people to follow. As I transition from this role, I carry with me a profound sense of gratitude for the experiences, lessons, and opportunities I had.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to love you Michigan, it has been my greatest honor. 🌈✨
Oh… and as always, Go Green! 💚
All of my love,
Maya Schuhknecht
Miss Michigan 2023
MICHIGAN!!! I LOVE YOU! 🎨🌈💘
I’m beyond excited to introduce myself as Maya Schuhknecht, Miss Michigan 2023!
Last night I made history as the first ever Speed Painter to represent the state of Michigan! I am ready to get to work advocating, educating, & ensuring that everyone has access to the arts through my community service initiative, Art For All! I can’t not wait to share my talent, passion, & story with our beautiful state! 👩🏼🎨
Melissa, you jumped in head first & represented Michigan beautifully! I am so inspired by all of the hard work you put into the state & can not wait see where your success takes you!
Kylie, I can’t wait to spend the year with someone as kind, determined, & talented as you! You are beyond deserving of the title of Miss Michigan’s Teen!
To my friends & family, this year has been hard & you have been there for it all. Thank you for loving me through the highest of highs & the lowest of lows!
To our fabulous panel of judges, thank you for believing in me & trusting me with the job of Miss Michigan. We shared everything from laughs to tears & I am beyond thankful to share this beautiful experience together. ❤️
To the Miss Michigan Scholarship Program board & volunteers, none of this would be possible without you. Thank you for all of the sacrifices you make to help all of us women chase our wildest dreams!
This organization has loved me, supported me, & changed me for the better. I am ready to serve you with my heart on my sleeve & show America what the Great Lake state has to offer! Let’s have some fun, Michigan! 🎨
I was once told that my idea of speed painting for a talent was a bad idea.
They told me I would never win a local title, or even step foot on the Miss Michigan stage. Well, last night I made history by winning KAWAI Preliminary Talent Award as a speed painter at MISS AMERICA! 🧑🏼🎨🎨🫧🌈✨😭
Art is my passion, hobby, career, and therapy. I had the time of my life sharing my love for the arts with you all near & far! I hope you all were inspired, entertained, & had SO much fun!
The KAWAI Preliminary Talent Award comes with a $3000 scholarship, which helps me further my education within the arts! Miss America, I am so thankful for you & the opportunities you have given me! I truly shared my heart & spirit with the world last night!
Not only did the girl who was told that she couldn’t do it, do it, but she did it with paint on her hands 😉 Here’s to making history! Let’s keep going! 🎨
#BringingBackTheMagic#MissAmerica#MissAmericasTeen#JOVANI#GetDressed#MissAmericaStyle#Pianos#Kawai#ExperienceTheDifference#HardRockCafe#SpeedPainter
In the darkest of times, I will always choose to focus on the beautiful things in life. Here is to not only dedicating one year but an entire lifetime to sharing kindness, love, & color with the world 🌈🫧🎨🤍🧑🏼🎨
YOUR NEW MISS MICHIGAN IS MY FRIEND @jenaelodewyk !!!! 🏀🐸💼💫💙🤘🏼✨
From the moment I met Jenae I knew she had the sparkle of a Miss Michigan. Her kindness & authenticity is contagious! She is unlike anything @missamerica has ever seen before & I cannot wait to see the positive changes she makes with her year of service!
Michigan, I can’t wait for you to fall in love with her like we all did! You’re in the best hands! 🤍
A love letter to my 20 new best friends 💌
I’m so proud of each & every one of you for putting yourself out there this past week. Watching you all chase your dreams this week has been one of the highlights my year. I found myself in tears after your talent runs or after interviews concluded because I’m just so stinking proud. I hope all of your dreams continue to come true in time. Regardless if im across the state, back stage, or in the crowd I’ll always be your #1 fan! 🌈🩵🫧
Taking off my crown surrounded by the woman who came before me was a feeling unlike any other. This is the same mirror I first saw myself as Miss Michigan 2023. I was honored to share my the last with my sisters 🤍
