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About MASP
More Than A Crown.
A Legacy of Leadership.
If you grew up in the 80s, you probably remember being told you could be anything you wanted to be.
At Maine Academic Scholarship Pageant (MASP), we still believe that!
Our story began with a simple idea.
What started as a college project by founder Darrin Landry quickly grew into something much bigger. Alongside his wife, Deb Landry, the program evolved into a respected youth organization, Crossroads Youth Center in Saco, Maine. Over the years, hundreds of young women and families have participated in programs designed to build confidence, leadership skills, community involvement, and academic achievement.
As the organization grew, so did its impact. Today, the Maine Academic Scholarship Pageant has become one of Crossroads' largest annual fundraisers, with Deb as Executive Director of the pageant for almost two decades. The pageant is not only a fundraiser, but helps support youth programs while creating opportunities for contestants to grow into confident leaders in their schools, communities, and beyond.
Now under the leadership of State Director Michele Libby, MASP continues to honor the vision established by the Landry family while introducing new opportunities for today's contestants. Like your favorite mixtape, we've kept all the best parts while adding a few exciting new tracks along the way!
Our Mission:
At MASP, we believe every contestant has unique gifts worth celebrating.
Our program encourages young women to:
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Develop confidence and self-esteem
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Strengthen leadership and public speaking skills
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Pursue academic excellence
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Serve their communities
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Build lifelong friendships
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Discover their personal strengths and talents
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Become positive role models for future generations
Whether a contestant dreams of becoming a doctor, teacher, entrepreneur, performer, scientist, or community leader, MASP provides a supportive environment where those dreams can grow.
We are proud to celebrate individuality while encouraging respect, grace, kindness, and personal achievement.
What Makes MASP Different?
MASP allows contestants to create a pageant experience that reflects who they are.
Some participants love the stage.
Some are passionate about community service.
Others excel in academics, talent, leadership, writing, or volunteerism.
Here, there isn't just one definition of success.
Through our Crown CARES initiative and other volunteer opportunities, contestants are encouraged to make a meaningful impact in their communities while developing skills that will serve them long after pageant weekend is over.
Required Competitions:
Every contestant participates in three scored areas of competition:
Interview (40%)
A personal interview with the judging panel focused on communication skills, confidence, accomplishments, leadership, and future goals.
Evening Gown (30%)
Contestants showcase poise, elegance, confidence, and stage presence in a gown of their choice.
Runway & Fun Fashion (30%)
This exciting competition allows contestants to express their personality, style, and modeling ability while having fun on stage.
Optional Competitions:
For contestants who want to customize their pageant journey, MASP offers a variety of exciting optional competitions.
Opportunities may include:
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Miss Maine Role Model
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Talent Competition
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Non-Performing Arts Talent
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Fitness & Lifestyle Wear
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Casual Wear Model
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Americana Wear
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Publisher's Award
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Mommy & Me
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Buddy & Me
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Show Me Your Crown Headpiece Challenge
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People's Choice Award
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Presidential Volunteer Service Awards
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Academic Achievement Awards
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Crown CARES Awards
These competitions allow contestants to showcase their talents, creativity, service, leadership, and individuality both on and off the stage.
The Road to Nationals!
One of the most exciting opportunities available to our state titleholders is the chance to represent Maine on the national stage.
MASP state queens earn the opportunity to compete at the prestigious USA Ambassador National Pageant, where contestants from across the country come together to celebrate leadership, service, confidence, and achievement.
The USA Ambassador program focuses on empowering young women to become positive role models while providing opportunities for personal growth, scholarship, service, and lifelong friendships.
For many contestants, the national competition becomes a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with unforgettable memories and opportunities.
We've Been Waiting for YOU! It's Time to Join the MASP Family!
At the end of the day, MASP is about so much more than crowns and trophies.
It's about finding your voice.
Building confidence.
Serving others.
Creating friendships.
Learning leadership.
and discovering what you're capable of accomplishing.
Whether you're stepping onto the stage for the first time or returning for another year, you'll find a welcoming community ready to cheer you on every step of the way.
Because around here, we believe every girl deserves her moment to shine.
And just like they said in the 80s...
The future is so bright, we might need shades!