World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Faith Brackett USA National Miss Maine 2020.
Full name: Faith Brackett
Title/Year: USA National Miss Maine 2020
Pageant System: USA National Miss
Age: 23
Zodiac sign: Scorpio
Hobbies: Cooking, playing piano, volunteering
Platform: American Heart Association and Crown CARES
Years competed: 2
Countries visited: 0 but in May of 2020 will be visiting Canada to speak at We Believe
Likes: Cooking, volunteering, advocating, playing piano
Dislikes: Dishonesty
Status: S
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I am a 2018 graduate of Husson University where I majored in Liberal Studies with a focus in Education and Psychology. In the past, I have volunteered as a teacher’s aide in a 4th-grade classroom, and am now a volunteer honor’s diploma mentor at a local Christian high school. I am also a Go Red for Women Spokeswoman for the American Heart Association of Maine.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women empowerment mean to you?
In the UNM system, we have a movement known as “positive pageantry”. What that means to me is that women, no matter the system, no matter the obstacles and no matter the adversity faced, can come together to support and encourage one another. If we empower each other, we are helping each other to become more strong and confident and from what I have seen strong and confident women accomplish incredibly amazing things, especially when working together.
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
Three years before I began competing in pageants, I cheered my sister on as she competed in hers. I watched her over those three years grow into a confident, well-spoken and dedicated young woman. From there I saw the connections young women were making not only in their community but throughout their state and nation through pageant opportunities. I watched young women become actively involved in serving others and their community. Service has always been important to me and watching the growth of these young women inspired me to become involved myself.
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
What drew me to UNM is that it is a system based on sisterhood, service, and kindness. Service has always been a big part of my life and heart. I was moved to find a system that holds the same core values. This system provides such amazing opportunities for girls and women to become involved in making a difference in their community, state, and nation.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
USA National Miss is an award-winning national pageant organization that exists to enrich the lives of young women. This program recognizes the personal achievement, community involvement and excellence of young women across the USA in a fun and trendy community of sisters, who become ambassadors of many worthy causes and charities -including the national anti-bullying platform The Crown C.A.R.E.S. (Creating A Respectful Environment in Schools) founded by Miss Deb Landry.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
Contestants are judged on a number of factors. There are obvious components such as interview, runway, and evening gown. But, I believe that girls are also judged on how well they will represent the system’s goals and values. They must be genuine, confident, welcoming, and able to demonstrate dependability and responsibility.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
MASP and UNM is a system based on service and sisterhood. My competition experience was amazing. I met so many wonderful girls and women of all ages. It is incredible to be in one room filled with over 100 drive girls, teens, and women who are smart, dedicated and devote huge amounts of their time to help others. The pageant directors work with us all to be our best. They guide us through the weekend and provide us with the tools we need to be successful. It is incredible and I loved every minute of it.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
I have a rare heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Because of this, I have had eight major open-heart surgeries. I have spent a huge part of my life in the hospital. Also, my father died of a heart attack at the age of thirty-eight. Because of this, it is very important to me to advocate for heart health. As a Miss Maine and a Maine GoRed for Women Spokeswoman, I have been able to travel throughout my state, share my story, and educate and inspire others to live a more heart-healthy lifestyle.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
One very special weekend that stands out to me was when my sister queen, USA National Miss Heart of Ohio, Madi Haskell drove 13 hours to my home state of Maine and we spent the weekend serving together. We had the opportunity to attend a suicide awareness walk, bring a care package to a local hospital pediatric unit, and visit a 4th-grade classroom to speak to the students about the Crown C.A.R.E.S. antibullying platform. To name a few, I have been able to support many different causes such as childhood cancer, childhood mental health, and the special Olympics. I have entered a chili-cookoff to raise money for veterans through the American Legion and will be speaking at the We Believe Conference in Canada in May of 2020.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
For me, one of my biggest achievements was graduating from college. Growing up, I was a very sick child and spent a significant amount of time in the hospital and away from school, sometimes months at a time. Education has always been important to me and my family. I found ways to keep up with my school work. Because of side effects from surgical procedures as well as having suffered two strokes, I at times had to work harder in school by finding unique ways to study. I had heart surgery number seven, three days after graduating high school. The surgery failed and I had to undergo heart surgery number eight, 6 weeks later. Three weeks after that, I started college. I was very weak from all I had been through, but I was so determined that I was going to start college that fall. I graduated on time and was always able to maintain high honors throughout my high school and college career. For that, I am very proud.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
I think what makes me stand out is the adversity that I have faced. I have spent a huge part of my life simply battling for life. I have had eight open-heart surgeries. I live each day with heart failure. Most milestones in my life have always been coupled with some sort of major medical battle. I wasn’t expected to live, but I did. That being said, live, is what I am going to do. My experiences have given me a perspective that that leaves me with a heart of gratitude. Each day is a gift. I am thankful for every day that I am able to help someone. I am thankful for every day I am able to learn and grow. I am thankful for every opportunity I am blessed to be part of.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
My mouth dropped. I couldn’t believe it. I was overcome with so much gratitude and excitement. I was just so happy. I started hugging everyone. I was so honored and humbled to be chosen to represent the state of Maine and UNM.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
Honestly, my first thought when I hear the word Beauty Queen is this: I am a child of the one true King. I love to feel confident and poised. It is important that we take care of ourselves, but true beauty is seen in the heart- through a gentle and quiet spirit, through the works we put our hands to, through the kindness and love we show one another. To me, a Beauty Queen strives to be a role model of those qualities by serving others.
World Class Beauty Queens: How has competing in pageants helped your life?
Competing in pageants has not only helped my life, but it has also added to it. In high school, I struggled to stand in front of the classroom to present a simple project. Pageants have given me the confidence to deliver a speech in front of a stadium full of people. Because of the increase in confidence in my communication, I am better able to make connections with people. I have learned how to get involved. I have been able to support others who are fighting for their own causes and when we can support each other with a servant’s heart, strong and lasting friendships develop.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
It is truly a blessing. I feel honored and humbled to hold the title of USA National Miss Maine. I am thankful for the opportunities that I have to serve my community and state and am beyond proud to be part of an organization that promotes the Crown Cares.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your onstage strategy to win the judges over?
Have fun! Don’t think too much about it. You have practiced, you have put in the hard work, now go out there and own it! And most of all be yourself. Let your personality shine through.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
When you become a titleholder you are taking on the responsibility of representing an organization and carrying out the organization’s goals. While it is beyond fun, exciting and rewarding, it is a professional position. It requires hard work, dedication, and commitment. Preparation requires the same efforts and those efforts must be prioritized. I scheduled significant amounts of time each week to focus on my preparation and followed that schedule. I believe that in any aspect of life if you want to succeed, you must work hard. It is important to also seek out the wisdom of those who have experience. I researched and sought out the help of pageant coaches Dani Walker of Pageant Access, and Crystal Annis, Mikele Reynolds, and Jasmine DeRier of PIA Consulting. They gave me guidance and tips that taught me more about the pageant process and also helped me gain insight into myself, helping me grow as a person.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning a better pageant walk?
Practice, practice and more practice. Walk up and down your hallway, go to a local dance studio, just simply walk around in your heels. The more you can be in them, the better. It is also helpful to record yourself and rewatch it, because the minute you see it on video, you can see all of the things that you want to change.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
Be open-minded and try on a little of everything, even styles, and colors which you would not normally choose. To be honest, when I saw my dress in the store, I did not think it would work for my body type. I’m only 5’2” and thought it would make me look even shorter. My sister insisted I try it on. I did and immediately fell in love with it. That being said, I also recommend shopping with someone skilled who is an honest critic and be open to their feedback. Lastly, you must feel confident in it.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
Be 100% yourself and have a goal of what you want to accomplish. The judges are looking for someone who can communicate about different topics, be unapologetically themselves, and represent and have a plan with what they are going to do with their year as the titleholder.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
My pageant experience is much like life. I make mistakes every day. I don’t, however, wish to redo or fix my mistakes. Mistakes cause us to learn and grow. They have helped me become a better and more confident version of myself. I don’t strive for perfection. I don’t desire to always get it right. My desire is to maintain honor and integrity, even when I get it wrong. My desire is to honor people and relationships. I cherish the people I meet and the opportunities I have along the way. I have learned that sometimes the biggest blessings come from the biggest mishaps and that God has a funny way of bringing beauty from ashes.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
I think one mistake big mistake is when someone is trying to be something they are not. The judges are looking for someone that can be authentically themselves, and advocate for the causes that they are passionate about.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
No
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2019 as a Queen?
My goal is to not only bring awareness to UNM’s national platform, the Crown CARES, but also to continually advocate for heart health as an American Heart Association Spokesperson. After having had eight open-heart surgeries and losing my Dad to a heart attack, education and prevention became very important to me. It is also important to me that people know, no matter the barriers they may face, that they still have the ability to reach their dreams. I want my story and experiences to inspire others to live a heart-healthy lifestyle and to live their lives to the fullest.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I would like to leave behind a legacy of thankfulness and kindness. Life isn’t always easy. We all face hard times, but even when things are difficult, there is always something to be thankful for. I may have had eight open-heart surgeries, but because of them, I am alive and able to use my life to help other people. I may have days when it's difficult to breathe but I have breath in my lungs and for that I am thankful. Perspective is everything. I want people to understand the importance of slowing down to cherish a moment. When we take time for each other, we learn about each other’s needs and can become a resource who can offer help. It is important to extend the reach when someone is in need and a little kindness goes a long way.
National Director: Jackie B. Watson
State director: Deb Landry
Your Local Director: Mikele Reynolds World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview.
Faith Brackett USA National Miss Maine 2020, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Mandy McQueen Photography. Makeup Flawless Pros , Stephanie Lyman and gowns by Blush Bridal and Formal. About our platform and our organization.
Crossroads Youth Center is a 501c3 not-for-profit youth program that is organized and operating exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Their largest program, the Maine Academic Scholarship program, developed a scholarship pageant system 11 years ago as their major fundraiser and it has taken on a world of its own.
Crossroads also host many programs focusing on character education and bullying prevention. They produce the Maine Academic Scholarship Pageant , USA National Miss Maine, American Women of Service, American Women of Service ME, Young Maine Women of Service, Miss Maine Elementary, Primary and Preschool, Miss Sensational, and is has recently added Canada in 2019 with the North American Women of Service.
The state pageant, largest in the state of Maine with over 100 contestants annually, is proudly affiliated with USA National Miss Scholarship Pageant and the American Women of Service National Pageants to provide pageantry opportunities of the highest quality to females of all ages beyond the state level. It is their goal to provide girls and young women with the tools to enhance and develop communication, self-presentation and interview skills, allowing them to become resilient, community minded adults. Crossroads is proud to offer opportunities to earn college scholarships at the national level to assist them in their academic journey, striving to provide an opportunity that guides their participants to be community minded, resilient, strong and respectful citizens while learning to give back to the community where they live.
The pageant itself and the executive director have been awarded top 5 honors with the Pageant Planet three years in a row for best pageant , best prize package and best state director. “Our first pageant had only four contestants,” states Executive Director, Deb Landry, “and now 11 years later we are servicing over 100 women and young girls across the state with 13 local pageants. We have grown into a movement to serving over 16000 hours of community service annually.”
Crossroads Youth Center is a 501c3 charitable organization whose mission is to raise resilient children, youth, and teens by providing innovative programs that serve Maine youth to envision and navigate a course for a rewarding future that is characterized by achievement, independent thought, and social responsibility through education, mentoring and volunteering. For more information visit www.missmainepageant.com.
Our National Partnership:
The USA National Miss Scholarship Organization is our national pageant program for ages 4-25. UNM combines all the excitement of pageantry with the high fashion and energy of a runway fashion show – while recognizing the personal achievement, community involvement and academic excellence of young women all across the USA. Their unique program is designed to award young women for their accomplishments, and to mentor them to reach their goals and unleash their true potential. USA National Miss awards six prestigious national titles and thousands in cash scholarships each summer at the national pageant. USA National Miss has been featured in the national media: Pageantry Magazine, MTV Made, Tiara Magazine, American Model & Pageant Magazine, The Pageant Planet, and Pageant Talk Radio just to name a few. With our unique approach, USA National Miss is changing the face of pageantry with the national director named the number 1 national director in 2015. For more information visit our national website at www.USANationalMiss.com.
The American Women of Service, is the child of national director Jasmine DeRier. Jasmine’s dream was to develop a national pageant for women who serve their community, representing the national platform and their own personal platform. Now in its fourth year AWOS has grown include Canadian citizens, Young American Women of Service and a noncompetitive program for young girls.
We Customize Your Pageant Experience
Crossroads Productions is following the trend and joined USA National Miss, a fashion-forward system that allows our delegates the opportunity to combine their love of pageantry with other optional elements to custom design their pageant experience- whether your focus is on fashion and modeling, or talent, education, community service, and mentorship we have a division for you. We celebrate individuality! At our state pageant, each delegate will compete in evening gown, interview and the signature red carpet runway fashion show- a fun, exciting and upbeat runway fashion event where each delegate can showcase their unique sense of style and personality on a real runway. We will also be awarding distinguished optional titles: State Role Model, Supermodel, Hospitality Queen, Spokes Model, and Talented Miss, Miss Maine Preschool, Primary and Elementary to the first runners up in the jr. divisions, as well as additional optional divisions and state titles where delegates can earn crowns, awards and prizes.
We skillfully mix social events within the competition so that delegates can have fun, meet new friends from across the state, and take home memories they will cherish for the rest of their lives. We also encourage community involvement and charity work through our platform, The Crown CARES, (creating a respectful environment in schools). And in keeping with the tradition of pageantry, our system encourages young women to be graceful, articulate, accomplished females with strong values and self worth.
CP represents a positive approach to pageantry – no swimsuit competition, no experience necessary, no mandatory talent and no make-up in our younger divisions, all females are invited, age 1 week to 99!. We strive to develop leadership, public speaking and communication skills while building self-confidence among the state and nation’s young women.
Custom Design Your Reign
Knowing that each young woman who participates in our program has unique talents, gifts, goals and interests, we fashioned our program so that our state royalty can custom design their reign to align it with their own personal goals in order to achieve their dreams. Whether their interests are geared toward a career in modeling, talent development, or want to further your charity work, make friends or find mentorship opportunities, we will provides a platform to fulfill dreams. Having a unique focus and custom designed plan for each queen allows for personal growth, success and fulfillment during their reign and beyond. In addition, their royalty participate in a variety of activities together, forming a bond of sisterhood that is sure to last a lifetime.
Crossroads offer many different ways young ladies and women can compete, and have secured many local titles to promote our great state of Maine: Crossroads’ Maine Academic Scholarship Pageant owns and has trademarked the follow titles as of August 2011:
Miss Maine Pre-School TM
Miss Maine Primary TM
Miss Maine Elementary TM
Miss MS Mrs. Maine, American Women of Service TM
Young American Women of Service TM
Royal Prince and Princess Academy TM
Miss Sensational Pageant TM (A pageant for young girls with disabilities)
Miss Pine Tree TM
Miss Dirigo TM
The Crown CARES
State and National Platform:
The Crown CARES (Creating A Respectful Environment in Schools/Society) is specifically designed for volunteers, pageant systems and peer ambassadors who wish to promote awareness as a platform on the epidemic of bullying in schools, to cultivate a safe environment and most importantly teach skills to develop social responsibility and character education in school-age children, youth and teens and is modeled after the Unite Against Bullying Project.
Designed to raise awareness of positive social behaviors, bullying and harassment prevention, and to give practical solutions, the easy how to manual is available and provided to the participants, provides the general knowledge, research, resources and practical advice necessary to incorporate steps and measures for your program to effectively promote awareness of bullying prevention, harassment and creating a safe school environment.
The Crown CARES program outlines the definition and simple solutions of the age-old problem of bullying. While there are no grandiose or magical explanations, intellectually understanding the importance of good character, and bullying prevention as well as developing and maintaining a program in or out of school is what Crown CARES has put at the forefront is placing the representatives in a reputable place in their community. The author, Deb Landry, stated that “it is our responsibility as adults, community leaders, caretakers and human beings to nurture the delicacy of our youth. We can only accomplish this by ongoing improvements and continuing education with the youth’s safety as the principal purpose.”
Excerpts from this program were taken from the workbook, The Comfort Zone and by Meline Kevorkian, ED., Robin D’Antona, ED. and Deb Landry, Maines Best Practice Manual, and Sticks Stones and Stumped children’s book and workbook by Deb Landry, and the Unite Against Bullying Program by Deb Landry, published by Bryson Taylor Publishing. The Crown CARES program is also available as Unite Against Bullying ME for non-pageant people who wish to be advocates for the mission. More information is available at www.crowncares.org. The program and logo is researched based and is copyrighted.
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
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