Reflections by Michelle Mattern.

 

Before we crown the 69th Miss German America and my reign as Miss German-America comes to an end, I wanted to reflect upon my experience this past year. Last May was truly a full circle moment when I was crowned as Miss German America Steuben Parade Queen 2025 as my connections with the parade started over 18 years ago. In 2008, I was a Junior Princess for the parade with Miss German America, Melissa Keller (Gratzl). One of the reasons I wanted to be Queen was to be a role model for my juniors like Melissa was for me. I was also the Plattduetsche Volksfest Verein Queen in 2023 and I am an active dancer of GTEV Schlierachtaler Stamm. So, German American Culture has always been a part of my identity.

My summer was filled with Oompah music, dancing and many laughs as I went to various events to promote the parade. Through the events I have met many people that were proud of their culture and would tell me about their connections that they have with the parade. I also got to know my amazing court, Princess Sabine, Princess Kirsten, Junior Princess Michaela, Junior Princess Charlotte, and Junior General William. Each of them brought their unique personality to the court. However, one thing we all have in common is that we are proud to be representing the German American Steuben Parade and our heritage.

The 3rd weekend of September 2025 will forever hold a special place in my heart as it was the parade weekend. The weekend was filled with celebrations. Starting on Friday afternoon at Foley Square, we attended the Greeting of the Groups, where the groups from abroad performed for us. Later that evening, we danced the night away at the Gala with music by the Heimat Klange. Then it was parade day on Saturday. Saturday started with Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (an iconic landmark in NY). At noon the parade officially began and we were riding along 5th avenue on the Miss German America float. Since we were one of the initial floats, we finished the parade route first and then got to cheer on the rest of the marchers. At the conclusion of the parade, there was an Oktoberfest celebration in Central Park. I was able to get to know many of the groups that participated in the parade during the celebration. To close out the weekend, we spent Sunday at Plattduetsche Park’s Ompahfest. During Ompahfest, a band from Germany performed. I even got to conduct the band for a song! It is hard to pick my favorite moment from the weekend because each event was special in its own way. However, I loved that I got to meet so many people that were happy to celebrate the German American friendship. I also loved laughing and dancing with our Grand Marshalls; Till Knorn and Gerard Rossbach. It was definitely a weekend that I will never forget!

A highlight of my year was going to Germany to celebrate Karneval in Köln. I participated in a parade in Hürth, went to a Sitzung and watched the Rosenmontag Parade. I am incredibly fortunate that I was able to continue the German American connections abroad and meet  with the Grand Marshall of the 2022 Steuben Parade, Dirk Breuer. It was a once in a lifetime trip and I am so grateful I was able to experience Karneval while being Queen.

 

I would like to thank my family for being part of all my adventures this past year and making sure I was at all the events on time! I also would like to extend my gratitude to Miss German American Chairlady, Connie Rom, for all her guidance throughout the year.

I will never forget my time as Miss German America and I feel so honored to be the 68th Queen. The memories and connections I have made this year have made a lasting impact on my life. To the next court, I hope you have an amazing experience as I have had and make sure you cherish every moment because being part of the Miss German American court is such a special opportunity.