The Miss Maine Organization

Congratulations to our new 2026 titleholders!

Ruthie Gusler

Miss Maine 2026

Johanna Cote

Miss Maine’s Teen 2026

A smiling woman with blonde, wavy hair, sitting indoors, wearing an off-the-shoulder light blue dress, a watch, and jewelry, with a bed and artwork in the background.

  • Julianna Clare Strout is a distinguished leader and advocate with a strong commitment to empowering others. As a former Florida city commissioner and Miss Rhode Island America 2009, she has a proven track record in public service, community outreach, and public speaking. Julianna has also served on various boards in Miami-Dade County, including the Film & Entertainment Board. She was recognized as a winner of the Florida Business Observer 40 Under 40 for her professional achievements and impact.

    Julianna is the founder of the SRQ organization, which supports entrepreneurial mothers by providing resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship to help them achieve their business goals while balancing family responsibilities.

    Julianna is a proud mother to her daughter, Vivian, and her family is a constant source of strength and motivation.

    A lifelong advocate for the Miss America pageant, Julianna is proud to serve as Executive Director for the state of Maine, a role that fulfills a dream her late father had for her. His belief in her potential and his encouragement to support young women has been a guiding force in Julianna’s life. She honors his memory through her continued dedication to leadership, service, and empowerment.

Miss Maine Scholarship Foundation

The Miss Maine Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit organization made possible by the efforts of hundreds of volunteers. The Miss America Organization maintains one of the strongest volunteer networks in this country.

Want to be a part of the Miss Maine family but have limited time to spare? We have jobs of all shapes and sizes. To find a job that best fits your interests, skills and time requirements, complete the form below. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few hours a year!  

Make a Difference! Become a Volunteer! 

The guidelines for volunteering are the following:

  • You must not be a family member of a contestant who is currently competing

  • You must be at least 21 years of age

  • You must not accept any money for your volunteer service

 

Meet Our Volunteers

Video testimonials from our dedicated volunteers over the years.

  • “The scholarship opportunities from the Miss Maine program are outstanding!” This is my fourth year competing, and I am proud to say that I have paid two years of college without winning the title.

    — Shannon Dobbins, 2009 Second Runner Up

  • “I learned through this pageant how to be the best version of myself"   I learned through this pageant how to be the best version of myself no matter what the situation and how difficult it may be. I have gained self-confidence through this experience - being true to who I am and that I am a winner no matter what.

    — Katherine Bell, Miss Cumberland County 2007

  • "I've really learned a sense of self. I've gained so much confidence. I would like to public to know how positive this program is and that any girls is right for the pageant and can gain from it."

    — Jona Cormier, Miss Old Port and winner of the Stephen Jensen Memorial Scholarship

  • “The Miss Maine Pageant is the best thing my daughter could have done for herself.” I wish she had done it earlier! 

    — Linda Dunbar, mother of 2008 Third Runner Up Brittany Dunbar

  • “The Miss Maine Pageant program is an incredible growing experience for any young girl trying to gain confidence, social aptitude and community awareness. It is also an exceptional opportunity to win scholarship money for school and to network." 

    — Sarah Kohls, 2009 Miss Brunswick

  • Not only has this program helped me have the confidence and poise I need in life, but also it has given me scholarships that I really needed for school next year.  

    — Maria Skillings, Second Runner Up 2010

  • Pageants had never been a part of our world. We were a typical family whose knowledge of pageants was limited to watching Miss America crowned on television. The Miss Maine Scholarship Program continues to be a positive experience for Katie. I've watched her become a versatile performer, a confident speaker and an approachable role model. Although being crowned Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen 2012 was an incredibly proud moment, her preparation for the pageant, her wonderful time with the other contestants during pageant week and the opportunities and appearances she’s had as a titleholder have been the icing on the cake. 

    -  Beth Elliott, Mom to Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen 2012 and Miss Maine 2017

Volunteer with us!

From recruitment to fundraising, to organizing competition day meals and helping the girls onstage, we have so many opportunities for you to help grow this organization.