JAY — Spruce Mountain High School junior Erin McPherson of Hartford has been crowned Miss Maine Teen 2018.
McPherson and 37 other teens competed in conjunction with the Miss Maine pageant at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland on Nov. 25 and 26.
Miss Maine and Miss Maine Teen are part of the Miss Universe Organization. McPherson will represent Maine at the national competition, with the date and location to be announced.
This was the first pageant McPherson competed in. She said she went into it as a growing experience. She had to complete a formal delegate profile, which included her hobbies and interests.
McPherson was interviewed by a panel of judges and performed in active wear. She appeared on stage in an evening gown before the judges and audience.
As Miss Maine Teen 2018, McPherson will be making appearances at numerous charitable events. She was seen at Skowhegan’s Holiday Stroll parade last Friday and will be at a Best Buddies Gala in Boston, Massachusetts, this weekend.
“Best Buddies works with people with learning and developmental disabilities,” McPherson said.
In January, McPherson will meet with Miss Teen 2018 representatives from Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
“I’m excited about my reign in the upcoming year,” McPherson said. “I have high hopes to make my community, family and friends proud.”
Her mother, Christine McPherson, said, “It’s a learning experience for us. She’s worked hard.”
Erin began thinking about entering the pageant in April. She made her decision during the summer.
Miss Universe Organization empowers women to be self-confident and to strive to be their personal best. The organization’s new campaign, “Confidently Beautiful,” is about feeling good inside and out and helping others, Erin McPherson said.
She worked last summer at the Canton Caboose serving ice cream. She hopes to return there next summer.
Erin played field hockey at Spruce Mountain. She hasn’t made a career choice, but does plan to further her education.
Her parents are Kevin and Christine McPherson of Hartford. Her brother, Ethan, graduated last year from Spruce Mountain. Her grandparents are Arthur and Jane Giasson of Rumford, Daniel McPherson of Rumford Point and Angie McPherson of Dixfield.
Those interested may follow Erin on social media throughout the year at Instagram:missmeteenusa or Twitter:missMEteenusa.
pharnden@sunmediagroup.net
Erin McPherson of Hartford was named Miss Maine Teen 2018 during a two-day pageant held recently at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. McPherson, at center, is shown being crowned Miss Maine Teen 2018 by former Miss Maine Teen and Miss Maine 2017. (Courtesy photo)
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