Eastern Michigan University alum Hannah Palmer crowned Miss Michigan, uses platform to champion youth mental health

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University alum Hannah Palmer has been crowned Miss Michigan 2025, a milestone achievement that builds on her long-standing commitment to education and mental health advocacy. As she prepares to compete for the Miss America title in September, Palmer remains rooted in service, using her platform to promote early mental health awareness among children through her nonprofit, The Sunflower Project.

Palmer, who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from EMU, is a passionate advocate for mental health. As a suicide attempt and loss survivor, she channels her experiences into empowering others to talk openly about their emotions, especially at a young age.

“I lost a close childhood friend to suicide in 2018,” said Palmer. “We had similar struggles, but we never talked about them. That loss inspired me to encourage kids to have those conversations earlier and to understand that it’s okay to ask for help.”

Founded in 2021, The Sunflower Project has distributed $6K in social and emotional learning resources to students and families across Michigan. The organization partners with schools and national initiatives, such as MTV’s Mental Health Action Day, to shift the narrative around mental health.

“When people think about anxiety or suicide prevention, they often associate those topics with darkness,” said Palmer. “I wanted to bring light, a more positive, hopeful energy to these conversations, starting with young people.”

Palmer’s journey began when she was crowned Miss Washtenaw County at 19. Though she once thought she had all the answers, she credits her growth to embracing vulnerability and asking questions. Her advice to students is to ask questions.

“That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned: people want to help,” she said. “You just have to ask. There’s strength in reaching out and being open to feedback.”

Now a fourth-year elementary teacher, Palmer plans to return to Eastern Michigan University for her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.

“With its reputation for excellence in teacher preparation, EMU was the perfect fit,” she said. “From day one, I gained real-world experience and the confidence to launch The Sunflower Project. EMU gave me the tools to turn a dream into a reality.”

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.