If you had asked me 10 years ago what I
thought I would be doing now, I can assure you that the answer would not have
been running a beauty pageant. It probably would have been the more traditional
path of going to law school and entering into a corporate lifestyle. But has
fate would have it, I was encouraged to enter the Miss Maine USA pageant
several years ago, and it was that decision that lead me to where I am this
weekend.
Like many women, I always struggled with self-confidence in my teens and
20’s. When I decided to compete
for Miss Maine USA, I entered into the challenge with the same struggles and
thought they could only get worse by surrounding myself with beauty queens. Much
to my surprise, what I discovered was what not at all like you see in the
movies. Every girl I encountered throughout the pageant experience was just
like me. They were all striving to be better women, stronger women, more
successful women, who were determined to make the world a better place and encouraged
one another to do the same.
The
Miss Universe Organization has built the foundation for a sisterhood that
supports and celebrates a woman’s right to be and feel beautiful, confident and
independent and this is why I made the choice to become the state
director. For the past 7 years I
have been able to help guide and encourage young women to go after their dreams
and have witnessed remarkable changes in so many.
Molly, every time I see you, I am reminded of what
the innocence of youth looks like. In a world of peer pressure and the age of
growing up fast, you have managed to stay true to your age. You are a shinning
example of the perfect role model for young girls everywhere. I could not be
more proud of the things you have accomplished the year and could not have been
more proud to have you represent Maine on the stage at Miss Teen USA. Who
knew "Molly from Maine" would be eating dinner with the stars at BOA
in West Hollywood, walking the streets of Times Square, climbing mountains in
Palm Springs, flying to UCLA to become a leader, traveling to pageant camp in
Virginia, walking red carpets in Las Vegas, and taking stage in the Bahamas. I
know this is just the start of the list of places you will go and just the
beginning of the amazing life you are going to have. Know, that I, and the
whole world is watching to see the great things that are about to come.
Rani, from the moment I met you, I knew you were
special. You have a light in your eyes that radiates kindness and it is what
makes you one of the most beautiful women I have ever met. Looking back on the first time you
walked across the stage several years ago, a little clumsy and nervous, to the
moment you walked across the stage during the Top 15 MISS USA swimsuit
competition, polished and confident, makes me so proud, I can barely get the
words out. I have loved watching
your journey as Miss Maine USA and although we have had a little “bump” in the
road, I could not be more humbled and thankful for the way you represented
Maine. I am so excited for you to
embark on this next chapter of your life.
I didn’t think it was possible for anyone more beautiful to come into
the world but I have a feeling we are about to meet her soon.
Only two girls will walk away with the crowns at the
end of the weekend but it is my hope that every girl will walk away with a
renewed sense of confidence, pride and ambition. I hope every girl walks away
with a new set of friends who encourage her to be her best and support her in
her endeavors.
I leave you with the very simple philosophy that I
live by………
“I have never been the most beautiful girl in the
room. I’ve just always made everyone think I was”
Sincerely,
Mackenzie Davis
Executive Director
Miss Maine USA 2004
