The American Miss National Pageant recently hosted its annual national competition at the DoubleTree by Hilton in South Portland. Women from across the U.S. competed in nine age divisions. Participants showcased their skills and poise in categories such as panel interviews, runway modeling, and evening gown competitions.

Delegates from Maine claimed several top honors in the Junior Teen, Teen, Mrs. Elegant Miss, and Ambassador divisions, according to a news release from Brenda Pollock, president, American Miss Pageant.

Brooklyn Kelly of Winslow, a president’s list student at Husson College, received the American Miss National Ambassador title. Kelly, the daughter of Jenn and Brian Kelly of Winslow, aspires to become a professor. She is no stranger to pageantry or volunteering. Her ongoing commitment to service, including work with Habitat for Humanity, will be a central focus of her reign. A former patient of Shriners Children’s Hospital, Kelly was particularly excited to represent an organization like AMP, which supports Shriners annually.

Lauren Jakub of Chelsea received the American Miss National Mrs. title. Jakub, who entered the competition to showcase how women can balance multiple roles while breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces, found pageantry to be a powerful platform for personal growth. As a mom, wife, and professional, she appreciates how the experience encourages self-improvement across all aspects of life.

Jennifer Fortin of Augusta was crowned the National Elegant Miss, a division for women age 50 and older. A longtime advocate for volunteerism, Jennifer immediately connected with the beliefs and mission of the American Miss Pageant. Her accolades include the Maine Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Award, multiple Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, and other honors. She looks forward to representing AMP as an Elegant Miss queen, furthering her work to support communities in need.

Ruthie Gusler of Phillips won the title of American Miss National Teen. A five-sport varsity athlete, Ruthie plans to attend St. Joseph’s College of Maine to major in business and marketing. She currently serves as president of the National Honor Society and vice president of the Student Council. She attributes her success to the support of her grandmother,

Diana Repucci is a recipient of the Gold Medal Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Gusler is deeply committed to volunteering in her community and will now add supporting Shriners Children’s Hospital to her service efforts.

Rounding out Maine’s national winners is 13-year-old Lilah Landers, crowned American Miss National Jr. Teen. A homeschooled eighth grader, Landers enjoys pageants, modeling, acting, and community service. Her personal platform, “Blood Brothers,” raises funds for the New

England Hemophilia Association, a cause close to her heart as her brothers and grandfather have hemophilia. She is the daughter of Nicole and Mike Landers.

Throughout the coming year, Kelly, Jakub, Fortin, and the other national queens will focus on volunteerism and continue supporting Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston. Kelly is collecting aluminum can tabs for Shriners Hospital in Boston. When patients give can tabs to the hospital it counts as a form of payment that can help with rides, gas and expenses. Can tabs can be dropped off at Pool Tech, 28 Charland St., Winslow.

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