"Participating in a pageant has been a dream of mine since I was 12 years old, but never had the courage to pursue. When the Mrs.  Maine America Pageant reached out to me last summer, my mind instantly went back to this childhood desire. Although I was still scared to commit, I realized that as a mother to 3 little girls, I am their strongest role model. How can I encourage my daughters to have the confidence to pursue their goals when I didn't have the courage to pursue my own? I decided to change that, by jumping all in to this pageant experience.  Was I still scared?  Yes!  Did I doubt myself at time? Yes! However, the journey that I embarked on was nothing short of amazing!  I cannot put into words what the experience of participating in the Mrs. Maine America Pageant did for me in so many areas. I met incredible women who've become close friends. Some who were struggling with the same self-doubts, which allowed us to help and encourage each other through this process of growth. When all is said and done, my self confidence is higher than it's even been and I no longer let fear stop me from pursuing my dreams. My bucket list is alive and well, and I have in fact begun to tackle my next endeavor: training for my first 1/2 marathon race. I have realized the true gift that life is and how blessed we are to get to pursue each day. I owe this all to two things: the grace of God and my participation in the Mrs. Maine America Pageant. Although I did not walk away with the crown, I won in so many ways! What are you waiting for?" ~ Kerrie-Lee Lampron, Mrs. Maine America '17 Top 8 and Director's Award Winner; 3rd Runner Up to Mrs. Maine America '18

"Feelings of confidence and encouragement are only 2 words to describe how I felt when I was contacted by the Pageant Coordinator asking if I wanted to participate in the Mrs. Maine 2014 Pageant.  Even though I had never been in a pageant before, it only took me a couple days to decide to compete.  I felt this was a way to show other young girls and women that if I could do it, then they could too.  I also believed that by being up on stage I could portray the importance of working towards a goal, following through with it, and the importance of being healthy and fit.  I was a little nervous at first entering into a pageant because of all the stereotypical thoughts that go along with pageantry.  Once I met most of the women, those feeling quickly resolved.  All the women I met encouraged and supported each other during our entire journey up through our weekend competing.  We all walked away with new life long friends.  I walked away with a new sense of self confidence, feelings of empowerment and looking on ways to set new goals for myself. The pageant was the most amazing experience for me." ~ Susanne Martorano, 2014 Mrs. Maine America Contestant

"As you all know I recently competed for the 2014 Mrs. Maine America pageant, what an experience of a lifetime... During this past year leading up to the competition, I formed lifelong friendships, I'd like to more call them my forever sisters... We were always there for each other, if it was just someone to say "you can do this" "you are beautiful" "try this recipe out" " work on this exercise set"... "where can we find some butt glue or boob tape" lol always there to lift one another up no matter what.. In our eyes we were all crowned the day we all met... During my year, my family was going through a lot of health issues, and boy was I having a rough time staying strong, all it took was one msg in our group chats and I was blown up with supportive responses, it didn't matter if it was at 6am or 11pm there was always someone there to put a smile on my face and on each others... This pageant is not about some others that you may have heard about or watched on tv, this pageant is all about encouraging empowering and celebrating other women and there accomplishments... It has been only a couple weeks since the pageant has been over and I still have pageant blues and can't wait to compete again... I love you all and if you are at all thinking about competing I swear to you it will be the best, most amazing adventure you have ever done for yourself..." ~ Wendy Howe, 2014 and 2016 Mrs. Maine America Contestant

"The Mrs. Maine America Organization discards all preconceived notions and stereotypes so many people have about beauty pageants. Mrs. Maine America promotes intelligent, inspiring and confident women. Being a part of this experience is something I will never forget and hold close to my heart for many years. I found myself being empowered by the presence of the other contestants. We all had a different story to tell and I was able to learn a lot about myself through the experiences I shared with the other women.  The bonds I created with these other women made this journey so enjoyable. These ladies are the sisters I always wanted to have growing up. I encourage all women to take the opportunity to experience what this organization is all about. I guarantee you will not have any regrets and will leave with life lessons and friendships." ~ Meghan Gray, 4th Runner Up to Mrs. Maine America '14 and Director's Award Recipient; 4th Runner Up to Mrs. Maine America '18 & Interview Award Winner

" Two years ago, I was asked if I would consider competing in the Mrs. Maine Pageant.  At 175 pounds and nursing my 3rd child, I thought, "How nice.  That's funny. No."  When I jokingly read the message to my husband, his feed back surprised me.  Without hestitating, he told me to go for it.  It would be a great opportunity for me to meet some sharp women and just the incentive that I needed to get back in shape.  I'm so glad I listened.  I hadn't realized I had lost myself until I started working on my bio page.  Who was I now?  Just a mom?  What had happened to me? The professional businesswoman?  The fun-loving, adverturous wife?  I felt the fear that I wasn't good enough and I did it anyway; I competed in the 2013 pageant.  I had FUN!  After that weekend, I knew I could do better and I wanted to do it again.  I signed up to compete in the 2014 pageant and I am so glad I did.  This past year was incredible, the caliber of women I competed with (love them ALL), the opportunities to work in the community, the chance to lead my family by example~it was all amazing!  I am healthier, I have more energy for my family, I am happier!  My attitude about myself has changed.  I truly feel blessed to stay home with my children and lead them by example.  I have inspired those closest to me to make positive changes for themselves.  It's been a powerful transformation and I'm not done.  I love this pageant system, I love the experience, I love the women,  I haven't reached my goals and I just may do it again because I absolutely love the process.  After all, "It's not the destination, it's the journey!". ~ Briana Noles, 2013 and 2014 Mrs. Congeniality; Marriage Longevity Award @ Mrs. Maine America '17

"If I had to choose one word to describe my experience in the 2014 Mrs. Maine pageant, it would be AWESOME. No scratch that, AMAZING. No wait, I meant EMPOWERING!!!! Honestly, when I signed up for the pageant, I did so begrudgingly. I had so many preconceived notions about pageants, but more specifically about “pageant girls” in general. I fully expected to be surrounded by a bunch of catty, spoiled women competing against one another and cutting each other down. I could not have been more wrong. What I found, was that I was encircled with a group of remarkable women that were doing incredible things with their lives. Each and every contestant was out there making a difference in the lives of others in their own unique way, and I was honored to share the stage with them. I am proud to say that I am now an official “pageant girl”, and will be competing for the title of Mrs. Maine 2015! Personally, I have grown by leaps and bounds over the last year, and I feel like I’m just getting started!"~ Beth Jones, 3rd Runner Up to Mrs. Maine America 2014 , Top 10 @ Mrs. Maine America 2015

  Prior to Mrs. Maine America, I'd never competed or even considered competing in a pageant. In fact, I   had many misinformed feelings regarding pageantry. I decided to compete simply for the experience and to help me overcome my stage fright. I was hesitant to commit until the contestant coordinator gave me the opportunity to meet the other women. I knew immediately these were women I wanted to get to know. They broke the stereotypical pageant queen mold, and impressed me with their depth and richness of qualities.  As it turns out, I met and exceeded the goals I had for myself as a Mrs. Maine contestant. Not only did I work towards conquering my stage fright, I placed 2nd Runner-Up and received the Mrs. Photogenic Award, surprising even myself! I wasn't expecting all the other impacts this experience would have: gained confidence, overcoming insecurities, inspiring young and old alike, self discovery, introspection and the formation of unique and powerful friendships I'm confident will last a lifetime. This pageant experience was far more than I ever dreamed and I've become a believer in pageantry at any age!"  ~  Courtney Bain, 2nd Runner Up to Mrs. Maine America '14 and Mrs. Photogenic