Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- University of Wisconsin-Platteville student Karissa Meyer has kept busy with her schoolwork her first year studying civil engineering, as well as preparing to compete in the Ms. Wisconsin competition at the end of June. Meyer recently won the Ms. Manitowoc competition near her hometown of Two Rivers.

"A good friend of mine from back home had won two years ago," Meyer said. "She was really the one who encouraged me to get involved."

The competition is broken down into five categories including a private interview, talent, swimsuit, evening wear and a composite score.

While fulfilling her duties as Ms. Manitowoc, Meyer has met many new people and attended several area events. Manitowoc has a sister city in Japan. When the delegation came to visit she was able to meet with them, as well as the governor. Meyer was also featured on the C-SPAN school bus.

"It has been such a great experience to meet all of these people. It opens the door for so many opportunities," Meyer said.

Each contestant is encouraged to choose a platform in which they will advocate if chosen to be Ms. Wisconsin. As part of her platform, Meyer developed a Students Helping Our Community (SHOC) program, which has recently been implemented in the Manitowoc area.

"It's so great to see something that I've work so hard on get started. I think this program will be beneficial to communities," Meyer said.

Meyer has been very active in the UWP community in her first year by participating in University Singers, Student Senate, football cheerleading and the Pioneer All-Stars stunt team.

Meyer is the daughter of Mike and Karen Meyer of Two Rivers.