SACO — Thornton Academy’s Garland Auditorium in Saco was recently the setting for the third annual Maine Academic Scholarship Pageant where 41 young women vied for their respective titles.

Academic titleholders crowned were, Callie Lynne MacQueston of Vinalhaven as Miss Maine Collegiate, Drew Graves of Newport, Miss Maine High School 2013 and Olivia Patterson of Benton, crowned Miss Maine Jr. High 2013. The afternoon program crowned the following titles, Miss Maine Elementary 2013, Sameena Flinner of Hollis; Miss Maine Primary 2013, Lainey Bell of Van Buren and Miss Maine Preschool 2013, Brenna Alley of Beals.

The newly crowned queens will represent and promote the national platform, The Crown C.A.R.E.S. (creating a respectful environment in schools) a bullying prevention program promotes awareness and teaches tolerance for a safe and bully-free environment to school-age children, youth and teens. Titleholders accomplished this by reading age-appropriate children’s books to the class, and discussing strategies for prevention, school core values, and healthy school behaviors.

The judges considered contestants’ academic achievement, community service experience in a personal interview along with runway fashion, evening gown and knowledge of the organizations commitment to bullying prevention. According to Deb Landry, executive director, the program is a fundraiser for Crossroads, a 501 c3 nonprofit youth organization that teaches social and health awareness for Maine youth. “

About the 2013 Titleholders:

MacQueston is the daughter of Carole MacQueston of Vinalhaven. She is a summa cum laude graduate from the University of Maine in Orono and holds a bachelors in elementary education with a minor in disability studies. MacQueston is enrolled in a master’s program at the same university.

Graves, Miss Maine High School is the daughter of Andrew Graves and Carol Crockett, granddaughter of Allen and Respah Graves and Maria Doody. Drew represented the Miss Maine Sweetheart competition that is held in Saco each February with the goal to raise funds for women with heart disease. An honor student at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Drew is an avid varsity athlete, and has played field hockey for several years. She also participates in varsity softball. She is part of the school senate and the Future Business Leaders of America. Drew won the interview, evening gown and Photogenic Award.

Patterson of Benton was crowned Miss Maine Jr. High. She is the daughter of Joshua and Melissa Patterson. Patterson was first runner up last year’s pageant when she held the title of Miss Central Maine Egg Festival Princess and returned this year to represent Lawrence Jr. High School, where she will be in 7th grade. Patterson plays basketball and field hockey and volunteer in her community as a basketball mentor. She is a recipient of the President’ Award for Educational Excellence. Olivia also won the interview award and runaway fashion award.

All three titleholders will compete in Orlando, Fla. at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin next July for the title of Miss Jr. High, High School and Collegiate America.

The younger contestants will also make appearances and read at schools, functions and parades.

For more information, contact Deb Landry at 838-2146 or visit missmainepageant.com/.