Angela Luna Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Angela Luna is passionate about school safety, a television news anchor, and preparing to compete for Miss Maine. I was thrilled she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Angela Luna visits Section 36!

What made you decide to compete for the Miss Maine crown?

As soon as I saw that Miss America raised the age, I instantly reached out to the Miss Maine board to compete. It’s been my dream since I was a little girl to go to Miss America and represent my state and I’m on cloud nine about having one more shot. I have fallen in love with Maine and the community and it would be an honor to serve Mainers at the national level.

As a prior local titleholder in Missouri, do you think that experience will help you at the Miss Maine competition?

Of course! All the lessons and preparation I received from theMiss Missouri board and my local directors not only has prepared me for the Miss Maine crown but has also led me to achieve my childhood dream of becoming a Morning News Anchor. Besides telling Mainers stories, I’ve been able to immerse myself in the community by volunteering, networking, and fostering lifelog friendships here in Maine.

What is something Madison Leslie is doing as Miss Maine that you would want to emulate?

Madison’s authenticity truly shines inside and out. I love how
open and honest she has been as Miss Maine plus keeping up with Maine traditions as a titleholder. I know I’ll have big heels to fill, but I plan to continue the behind the scenes life as Miss Maine while staying true to myself. I hope to make the phenomenal women before me proud.

How did you select your community service initiative?

Five years ago, I had to make the nerve wrecking call to my parents in Florida to make sure my sister Jordan was alive during the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. Jordan lost her friend and teammate Alyssa Alhadeff that day. I knew I wanted to join the school safety movement to empower students and educators to understand the importance of school safety procedures. WithMake Our Schools Safe, I’ve been able to meet with the Maine Department of Education and the Maine School Safety Center to make sure safety procedures are evolving throughout

our state. One of my main goals as Miss Maine is to pass Alyssa’ Law, which would require public schools in Maine to install silent panic alarms to reduce law enforcement response times in an emergency situation. Bangor Public Schools are the first district in all New England to enact silent panic alarms and I want to continue to expand them statewide.

You are currently working as a morning news anchor at WABI TV5. What do you enjoy about that experience?

We are a big family at WABI! To me, it truly doesn’t feel like work sometimes especially when we have fun segments during the morning show. I always joke that I’m Maine’s sunshine with their morning coffee!

You’ve also worked the sideline at UMaine football games. What drew you to that path?

I grew up as a dance competition kid and the daughter of a football coach which led to my love of sports. I was a Weekend Sports Anchor at Heart of Illinois ABC in Peoria, IL before WABI so I wanted to continue covering sports on the side. Our evening anchor Brittany McHatten referred me to UMaine athletics and the rest was history!

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I am Olaf to a T. We are both ENFP’s and enneagram 7w6’s who are animated, quirky and fun! I relate to Olaf the most, especially how he wants to experience everything the world has to offer. Plus, navigating through Maine winters makes me dream of summer!

If you had an extra ticket to see a baseball game between the Portland Sea Dogs and the NH Fisher Cats, who would you take with you? Why?

I would bring my good friend Allegra Zamore. We instantly became close friends at WABI and love the Sea Dogs! I also want to catch the “Maine Clambakes” game as well.

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

It would be epic to throw out the first pitch at a Boston Red Sox game as Miss Maine on Maine Day!

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"Epic" would be just the beginning!

As always, I want to thank Angela for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Maine! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Angela during her journey. You should be sure to check out her Instagram account.It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Angela, and good luck!   

Madison Leslie Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Madison Leslie is passionate about empowerment, a huge Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Maine. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Madison Leslie visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Maine crown? 

I spent the night with all of my family and friends. They all came to support me during competition. Most of them are from out of state so they stayed at my house. My family and friends mean the most to me and being able to just sit in the same room as them fills my heart up. 

 

What is something that Mariah Larocque did as Miss Maine that you would like to emulate or expand upon?

Mariah is extremely passionate about this organization and her drive is something I admire. I have loved this organization from the second I stepped into it in 2016 and I hope to continue to use social media as our organization’s asset. I have already had young women reach out to me via Instagram and ask how they can get started in MAO. 

 

As a former Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen, do you think that national competition experience will help you at Miss America?

Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen really jump-started my journey into becoming a strong woman. As Miss America says: “Preparing great women for the world. Preparing the world for great women.” MAOT gave me the tools to learn more and grasp the idea that I could achieve whatever I put my mind it. Competing at MAOT was where I was able to test my public speaking skills and my confidence. I believe that this entire experience has prepared me for my year as Miss Maine and Miss America because I am aware of what the job entails. I have learned what best strategies fit how I want to approach my job this year. I also feel that it was a “practice” round for a lack of a better phrase for the big job. I am beyond blessed to have been able to have had that experience and use that passion I found and continue with the momentum to compete with my whole heart on the Miss America Stage.

 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Shake Your Beauty”?

I made a post back in 2019… speaking about my physical insecurities and I was overwhelmed with the response of all the people who related.  Leaving high school I was consumed by the opinions of others and struggling with my mental health. I created “Time to Shake Your Beauty” to be an empowerment movement. To own your space! And claim your confidence! “Time to Shake Your Beauty” is not just my social impact initiative, it’s my purpose. I aspire to be an empowerment speaker and talk about the message of inner confidence, and positive self-talk. 

 

As a talented singer, what do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

Music is where I really express myself. I am a very bubbly person, but I am not in my performances. I talk a lot about the importance of prioritizing your mental health, I have struggled with anxiety and depression. I find my outlet in my music. I am able to find comfort in lyrics and the passion of a performance. The talent piece of competition gives me the opportunity to show another side of myself and use my voice. 

 

You recently graduated from Franklin Pierce University. Where do you see your degree taking you?

I graduated with a B.A. in Communications, a focus in Journalism/Media Production, minor in Political Science, and a certificate in Gender and Leadership studies. I found a passion in branding, and I see myself using the skills I’ve learned with my degree to continue my social media work with more businesses and growing my own brand. I plan to use the skills that I have learned to improve my personal brand: “Sheismads” and “Time to Shake Your Beauty.” I love public speaking and I hope to use this passion with spreading the message of confidence to young people around the country, and the world! 

 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

CINDERELLA!! She has birds getting her ready in the morning. That seems so peaceful and a great addition to my morning routine! 

 

Which is your favorite place to watch the Red Sox…the AA team in Portland or the big club in Boston?

I am a HUGE sox fan. My dogs are Fenway and Papi. My family has a Red Sox room with all sorts of memorabilia. Hadlock Field is nostalgic for me because I grew up going to the games with my Dad. However, Fenway has the most contagious atmosphere that can’t be replicated. I love them both for different reasons. 

 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

It is a dream of mine to sing the National Anthem at the Red Sox. I also am a big Rafael Devers’ fan. I’ve been watching him since 2016 at the Portland Sea Dogs. I would love to meet him one day. Meeting him is on the top of my bucket list, for sure!

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I think that's on a lot of bucket lists! I also really want a tour of that Red Sox room. 

As always, I want to thank Madison for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Madison continues her time as Miss Maine, I encourage you to check out her title's Website and Instagram. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Madison, and good luck!

Nicole Steinhagen Visits Section 36!

Photo by Akadia Marles

Section 36 has another visitor! Nicole Steinhagen is passionate about ending the silence surrounding suicide, a black belt in Shotokan Karate, and the current Miss Greater Portland. I was thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Nicole Steinhagen visits Section 36! 

What made you want to participate in the Miss Maine program as Miss Greater Portland?
I have been a part of the Miss Maine organization from the time I was 10 until I was 13. I started in the princess program and participated until I was 13 when I officially decided to compete for Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen. After a couple of years of losses, I decided to pursue other activities.  The organization is one that I have always loved and admired. Upon retiring from competing in Martial Arts Tournaments, I decided to compete for Miss Maine since it would give me the opportunity to show off my talent. The fact that this year I get to represent the area that I grew up in makes this year even better!

What did you learn about yourself at last year’s Miss Maine competition that will help you the next time you compete?
That sisterhood is the most important part of this organization. I have been able to lean on the sisters I have already met, and I’ve been able to connect with sisters around the country. These girls have seriously become some of my best friends and I haven’t even met them in person. We bounce ideas off each other, stay up until midnight on Facetime, help each other with paperwork, and that is only the tip of the iceberg. 

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Greater Portland?
One specific goal that I have is to educate the Greater

Portland area on the idea of suicide prevention and what we can do to help each other especially as we are coming out of COVID. In Maine, suicide prevention is still very new and I am beyond grateful to pave the path for the future. 

How did you select social impact initiative: End the Silence, Let’s Talk about Suicide?
I grew up thinking that suicide was never going to affect me personally. Five years ago, I lost my grandpa to suicide, and it completely blindsided me. He was my go to for everything and really he was my best friend. The fact that he suffered in silence absolutely kills me. Now I am determined and dedicated to educating as many people about the confidential resources available to everyone, the warning signs of someone contemplating suicide, and what we can to help each other. 

You have a black belt in Shotokan Karate. What got you involved in that activity?

I got involved at the age of 6 when I went to my neighbors birthday party! It was hosted at the karate school and they had classes for us! It was seriously the best birthday party I’ve ever been to!

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?
Princess Anna. Definitely Princess Anna. She is a strong female who didn’t need a prince to save her and she is not afraid to be herself. As an extrovert myself, I love seeing another extrovert in a princess role is so good. These are the women that little girls look up to and want to emulate.  

Portland is, of course, home to the Red Sox AA club, the Sea Dogs. Have you been able to make it to any of their games?
I love going to Sea Dogs games! When I was growing up, I

would go all the time with my family. My favorite was always the fan appreciation day where the players reenact the “Field of Dreams.” Once I got on the performance team at the karate school, we would go and do a pregame show! We once got to perform at a game that David Ortiz was in town for rehab.

If you had an extra ticket to a Red Sox game, who would you take with you? Why?
I would take my sister. Going to any kind of sporting event is always more fun when she is there. Also she’s my best friend and we make any situation more fun when the two of us are together. 

Is there a feature or activity at Fenway that you’d especially like to experience?
I definitely want to go to a Dropkick Murphy’s Concert. I love the Murphy’s and they did a performance at the stadium during quarantine which was absolutely amazing so it’d be more amazing in person, right? 

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It would definitely be more amazing in person! I had the opportunity to see them play a song at Fenway once -- before a playoff game perhaps -- and it was quite an experience.

As always, I want to thank Nicole for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Nicole continues her time as Miss Greater Portland, I encourage you to follow her on her title and personal Instagram accounts. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss Maine title. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!
 
Thanks again Nicole, and good luck!

Carolyn Brady Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Carolyn Brady is passionate about immigration appreciation, a talented violinist, and the current Miss Maine. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Carolyn Brady visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Maine crown?

By getting right to work the next day of course! At the time, I thought I would only have this title for a year and I didn't want to waste a minute of time. I won on a Saturday night and was out in the community in my crown and sash on Sunday morning!

That gave you the opportunity to compete for Miss America. What was that experience like?

Needless to say, our Miss America experience was very different from that of any state titleholder from years prior. It was the ultimate test of rolling with the punches and I definitely learned a lot about how to expect the unexpected. However, I was incredibly fortunate to have spent that week with all of my sisters and to have shared that experience with them. I truly believe that the friendships we created that week will last a lifetime!

As your term as Miss Maine finishes a second year, do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish with the extra time?

Just continued growth and development. I have always sought

to leave a space better than I found it, and that holds true for my role as Miss Maine as well. While I hope I was able to do that over the course of my first year, I plan to continue working to build our state program in hopes of creating more opportunities for the young women who participate in our program as well as the people of Maine. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Immigration Builds our Nation”?

When I first started competing in the Miss America Organization, I was actually competing in Pennsylvania with a social impact initiative focused on music education. However, when I decided to compete in Maine and I acknowledged that if I won, I would be the first black woman to win the state title, I wanted to find a social impact initiative that was relevant to the needs of people in Maine but also an issue that I could serve in a unique way, so I decided to devote my efforts to immigration appreciation. 

As a talented violinist, what do you enjoy about performing out on stage?

Photo by Susan Costa

I enjoy music as an art form, designed to make both the performers and the audience members evoke a feeling. My favorite aspect of performing is using my talent as a medium to do just that. 

How would you finish the sentence, “If I could change one thing it would be ___”?

Oh goodness, just one? Well on a fun note, I would put a SoulCycle in every state in America. On a more serious note, I would eliminate cancel culture and exchange it for accountability culture. Instead of 'you gotta go', let's try more 'live, learn, and grow'. More conversations. More education. More acceptance of mutual goals.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

Judy Hopps. As an underdog from the very beginning, she

became the first rabbit officer of the Zootopia Police Department, worked her way up through the force, and eventually uncovered a criminal conspiracy, all while breaking preconceptions about other species and working to make the world a better place. She does it all! 

If you had an extra ticket to a Portland Sea Dogs game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would bring someone who likes to eat as much as I do. Hot dog lovers would definitely receive priority in the selection process! 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

Well I was fortunate enough to throw the first pitch at a Portland Sea Dogs game shortly after I won Miss Maine. Hypothetically, I'm sure I would enjoy the thrill of catching a foul ball, but in reality, I guarantee that if a foul ball was headed anywhere near my seat, I would scream louder than you have ever heard a person scream before. 

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I'd definitely be more of a "pick it up when it stops rolling" foul ball catcher myself! 

As always, I want to thank Carolyn for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Carolyn continues her time as Miss Maine, I encourage you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook account. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

 
Thanks again Carolyn!

Shannon Hopkins Visits Section 36!

Photo by Susan Costa

Section 36 has another visitor! Shannon Hopkins is passionate about body positivity, a Disney fan, and the current Miss Knox County. I was excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Shannon Hopkins visits Section 36!

What made you want to participate in the Miss Maine program as Miss Knox County?

 That is a great question, last winter right before COVID hit I was attending a Maine Agriculture banquet as The Maine Wild Blueberry Queen that hosted all commodity queens and the current Miss Maine, Carolyn Brady was a special guest. Carolyn and I really connected over different things, laughed a lot, and we spoke about her opportunities as Miss Maine. I planned on entering the competition for the 2020 year before it was cancelled but held out for a very long time. To be honest, I regret waiting so long to enter, but I thought long and hard about not being accepted, and the fact that there had never really been a plus size individual on the Miss America stage. After multiple conversations with friends and family, I came to the conclusion, I had to do this not only for myself, but for the great individuals of Maine and beyond who feel like they aren’t comfortable in their own skin or accepted for being their true authentic selves. I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone in fear of being made fun of, or laughed at and be Acceptable ME for the individuals that are too afraid to be themselves. In the month of October, I finally took the leap and became Miss Knox County to compete on the Miss Maine stage in June of 2021!

 

What part of the upcoming Miss Maine competition are you most nervous about?

I think really the whole aspect of the competition makes me nervous as this will be my real first official big stage competition. I competed at The Union Fair as The Maine Wild Blueberry Queen which was a small local fair competition. In 2019 I won Miss Congeniality and was crowned The Maine Wild Blueberry Queen for 2019/2020. I think one of the most things I'm nervous about is being able to rock and walk in heels, as I’m not a heel kind of gal! Ha-ha. I’m very tall and have never really had a need to wear heels, so hopefully I don’t fall flat on my face! Other than that I’m a very confident person in myself and just want to be accepted for being truly authentic.  

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Knox County?

During my time as Miss Knox County I want to accomplish

promoting body positivity for not only myself, but others. I want it to be known that I’m standing up to break stereotypes based on weight and body image in today's society. I’ve personally interviewed over 200 women about body image perceptions and asked them simple survey questions to find out as to what most individuals were struggling with either present or past.  I feel as society has placed such a standard stereotype on being “big” or “too small” etc. Why can’t someone just be confident in being themselves and others be okay with a person loving themselves or looking a certain way. Why does it always have to be about losing weight and dieting, or anorexia and bulimia. Why can’t we promote a world that is focused on accepting individuals the way they are and to prevent the self conscious minds of individuals. By connecting with these individuals with these survey questions and general conversations, I came to the conclusion all the reasons I needed to make it official as running as a candidate for Miss Maine. The decision was not only for myself but for the others struggling to find their place in accepting themselves and others accepting them by being their true authentic selves. 

 

How did you select social impact initiative: Acceptable ME?

This social impact initiative that I have founded, Acceptable ME is very important to me because this is something near and dear to my heart.  I grew up with my grandparents and due to childhood trauma, things were a lot harder growing up. I was always defined as an outcast, struggling being overweight growing up and struggling to fit in. I’ve always felt like I haven’t been accepted due to being myself. I’ve always been taller, bigger, and different than most. I’ve always been outgoing, and have had an infectious personality but by being myself, I was always made fun of for something or told to be something I’m not. This often led to depression and anger in myself and others for many years. Once I got to college, I told myself that I would stop allowing myself to feel like a bother to others, and began living my life for myself as my true self. 

Acceptable ME stands for standing up against societal "norms" to break stereotypes based on weight, body image, and diet culture in today's society. Through Acceptable ME we are leading the way for all individuals in today’s society fighting to be accepted for the way they are whether “short”, “tall”, “big” or “small” and to help them stand up against society stating that they can be accepted for themselves and be treated with respect while being authentic to themselves. Another aspect of this social impact initiative I’m looking to bring awareness to is health. By implementing health as another focus, we begin to realize that size and health doesn’t go hand in hand. We always hear “you aren’t healthy you weigh this much..” or “you need to do this to be healthy”, but health isn’t defined by a number on the scale, or the way you look. There is more beyond health and size to living a happy healthy life. I want to help others build the confidence to be themselves and not let their size and what others say hold them back from being their true self, together we will help individuals be Acceptable ME.

You have a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. What interests you the most about that field?

I grew up in a small town that was a heavy town for tourists in the summer and winter months featuring over 40 places to stay locally owned. In high school I attended a vocational school where I participated in a hospitality program; which consisted of one year of baking and pastry and one year of culinary arts. I was really passionate about the program, but  thought about further ways to expand hospitality. I thought about managing a hotel or opening my own business as one of our teachers owned their own business. By obtaining my degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and one credit shy of a Business degree at Southern Maine Community College, I really hope to open my own bed and breakfast one day in the future. I attempted to move out of state a few years ago and after a few months returned home. Maine will always be home, and there is just something about the coastline and the comfort of Maine local businesses like none other. I’m so passionate about the great state of Maine as it is like no other state I’ve traveled to, after all Maine is the vacationland! 

After graduating from SMCC as the first person in my family to attend college, in 2019 I began a dental hygiene degree at The University of Maine at Augusta. I wanted something to further my knowledge and I wanted to take a different path. I’ve always loved my dentist and have always thought about becoming a hygienist and finally took the step to begin the education requirements towards that degree. I am currently on a waitlist to secure my chair at the dental clinic at The University of Maine, which is an extremely hard program to get into as they only accept 12 students per year for the clinic. I feel extremely accomplished as I didn’t have the easiest childhood and have always strived for the most learning skills possible. Through my college career I participated in the hospitality and events committee, business club, pre health club, and biology club. 

 

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

This is an extremely hard question as growing up I had so

Photo by Susan Costa

many Disney favorites! My favorites consisted of: Recess, The Proud Family, Kim Possible, Phineas and Ferb, Lilo and Stitch, That So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Hannah Montana and Lizzie McGuire.     If I could be a Disney Character for one week it’d be so hard to choose due to the fact that I love so many characters! I guess if I had to choose one I’d choose Kim Possible. Kim is just so cool. I’ve always admired Kim Possible for her “I can do anything” motto. 

 

How would you complete the sentence, “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

I get great satisfaction when I’m making someone laugh. I contain a comedic, personable personality that makes people want to be around. I’m always telling stories to make people laugh and always cracking jokes! I’m just a fun person to be around. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Red Sox game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket I’d take my grandpa! My grandpa is a major Red Sox fan, we have gone to many spring training games together and we are always talking to some of the players when they have a chance to interact with fans. We have some baseballs that are signed by retired players which is so cool to say we have them. A few years ago my grandpa got a ball thrown to him from David Ortiz the great Big Papi and I got it signed by Jason Varitek right before he retired in 2012. My grandpa and I always tell jokes about that it is his baseball, but my signature on the baseball which people get a good laugh out of it. My grandpa is just such a huge baseball fan and I’d love to go to an actual Fenway Park game with him. 

 

Is there a feature or activity at Fenway that you’d especially like to experience?

I’ve surprisingly never been to Fenway. I’ve been on the outside, but never on the inside. I’d love to have a personalized tour at Fenway or even just catch a game and enjoy one of those hat sundaes! I’ve seen the Red Sox play many spring training games down in Florida and I have seen them down in Maryland at Camden Yard play against the Baltimore Orioles as well. I think really anything up close and personal with the team would be cool!

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The hat sundaes are definitely amazing! 

As always, I want to thank Shannon for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Shannon continues her time as Miss Knox County, I encourage you to follow her on Instagram and check out her Acceptable ME Facebook account. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! And if you want to help support her run at the Miss Maine crown, be sure to check out her fundraising page here.

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss Maine title. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!
 
Thanks again Shannon, and good luck!