The Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program

Megan Goodenough - Miss Southwest Michigan 2009

Hometown: Bridgman

Age: 23

Education: Central Michigan University

Major: Special Education (Cognitive Impairments)

Ambition: After obtaining my B.S. degree in education, with an Elementary emphasis, and endorsement in Special Education-Cognitive Impairments, I hope to receive a teaching position in the southwest Michigan area. I will also start working towards my endorsement in Autism.

Hobbies: Singing, dancing, scrapbooking, spending time with family and friends, attending CMU football games, and reading.

Scholastic Honors: CMU President’s List (4 semesters); CMU Dean’s List (every semester); Lenora Marie Starr Nelson Scholarship; BCARSP Scholarship, Michigan Competitive Scholarship; Lirones Scholarship; Cordell Scholarship; Lyons Prize Scholarship; National Society of Collegiate Scholars; 2003 Bridgman High School Salutatorian; National Honor Society; CMU Outstanding High School Student Scholarship.

Accomplishments: 2007/2008/2009 Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program Academic Winner; 2008/2009 SMSP Community Service Winner; 2009 SMSP Quality of Life Winner, Talent Winner, Interview Winner; 2004 Miss Michigan American Coed; 2004 Miss Michigan Coed Speech and Talent Winner; 2004 National American Coed Talent Winner; 2003-2004 CMU Coed Cheerleader; 2003 High School Commencement Speaker; 2003 8th grade Graduation Speaker; 2003 UCA All Star; 1999-2003 Bridgman Varsity Cheerleader.

Megan Nicole Goodenough

Miss Southwest Michigan 2009

Platform: Autism

Talent: Vocalist

About Megan...

Megan Nicole Goodenough, Miss Southwest Michigan 2009, is a woman who has the ambition to make the world a better place for all citizens and compassion for today’s youth. In particular, she is determined to enrich the lives of individuals with autism, and their family members. As she prepares for a future as a special education teacher, Megan is dedicating not only just her year of service, but every year of her life thereafter, to the service of those whose lives have been impacted by autism, and other special needs. Megan is dedicating her year of service to increasing community awareness of autism, and developing and promoting local, state and national programs dealing with autism, beginning in her own community.

Megan began her year of service on August 24, 2008, when she was chosen by a panel of five Miss America judges after displaying excellence in all areas of competition including talent, interview, evening wear, and swimwear. Megan was honored to receive the Talent Award for her vocal performance of “Inside Your Heaven”. She was also awarded the Mayfield Interview Award, Community Service Award, Quality of Life Award and Academic Award.

Megan is a 2003 graduate of Bridgman High School, where she was salutatorian of her graduating class. She is currently in her sixth year at Central Michigan University. After acquiring her BS degree in Education, with an Elementary emphasis, and Special Education (Cognitive Impairment) endorsement, she intends to work in the southwest Michigan area, and work towards her Master’s degree in Special Education and Autism Spectrum Disorders endorsement. Megan is the daughter of David and Virginia Goodenough. She has one younger brother, Geoff. In addition to pursuing her studies, Megan has participated in athletics, as a CMU Cheerleader in 2003-2004. Megan has also had leadership positions on campus as president of Student Council for Exceptional Children, and Resident Assistant for three years. Megan is also a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and recipient of the Lenora Marie Starr Nelson Scholarship which is given to one student in the Special Education program each year.

If you asked Megan to describe her personality and passions, you would hear a lot about her family and friends, but it wouldn’t take long before you hear her speak passionately about children, and working with individuals with special needs. Her love for teaching children, and helping them be successful in many areas, has led her to her platform issue on autism awareness. The number of children diagnosed with autism has grown to 1 in 150 births. Megan wants to make a difference in the world by educating the public about autism, and working with families and individuals dealing with autism. Megan is a woman committed to changes and changing perspectives. She is proud to represent Southwest Michigan as she continues her mission of increasing awareness and changing lives.