Along with my love for helping animals, I love being involved with Animal assisted therapy. I first became aware of how much Animals can change your view when I was a child who had lost their father to cancer. It was the bond with my horse that helped me cope with the grief I had experienced. Little did I know that would form my future and shape who I was to become.

Being chosen as Miss Southwest Michigan is a dream come true and I know it will allow me to have so many opportunities to further my platform of Animal Assisted Therapy. The Southwest Michigan family has been blessed in the past with such wonderful representatives that have set high standards of excellence to follow. I am confident that I will be an outstanding spokesperson for this organization and a role model for the women of Southwest Michigan. It is a great honor that God has allowed me to be a part of such an amazing organization.

My platform for the year is Animal Assisted Therapy. I plan to use my platform to encourage people with disabilities to seek the use of Animal Therapy to help achieve a balance in their lives. I also want to make as many people aware of just how amazing an animal can be. Studies show that petting an animal can lower your blood pressure or that animals can help people who suffer from anxiety disorders. However, many people are unaware of just what an animal can and will do for the ill.

I am excited to go out into the communities and meet many of the great people in Southwest Michigan. I am also anxious to get the message out as to how amazing Animal Assisted Therapy is and how much it changes lives. Over my year or service my goals are to raise dollars for my platform, encourage others to become involved, and to positively change the many lives I come into contact with. It is with much heartfelt thanks that I wish to express to all the volunteers for their endless hours and commitment to the Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program my deepest appreciation and gratitude. Without you this opportunity would not be possible.

In God’s Love
Your humble Servant
Halie Elizabeth Noel Fisher
Miss Southwest Michigan 2017