Hey there, America.

I'm bringing my update to my Spotfund account- If your interested in reading my heart on the events that have taken place please feel free to read the below statement. However, if you want to learn more about me and my journey in the Miss America Organization, the scholarships I've gained and my Social Impact Initiative, you can find that towards the bottom. Either way, I'm appreciative of your time.

Update December 12th 2021

My world has been turned upside down in the matter of hours. I feel like I’m trapped in the most terrible nightmare, one I would never wish on anyone. Unfortunately, it’s my living reality. I am beyond devastated and heartbroken.

As many of you may know, I have had to withdraw from the 100th Anniversary Miss America Competition due to contracting COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated and testing negative for covid upon my arrival. I am now isolating, for the next 10+ days, alone with my thoughts, loving messages from family, friends and supporters…and a lot of time to reflect.

When I left for Mohegan Sun, an adventure that was years in the making, the phrase “Be still and know” continued to play over and over in my mind. Little did I know that I’d be leaning so heavily into those words. Throughout the heartbreak and devastation, one thing has remained steadfast and unshakable. My faith in God, His purpose and His plan for me. The Miss America Organization is a conduit for opportunities, growth and success. I don’t say this lightly, I would not be where I am today without the Miss America Organization, the $30,000 I’ve been awarded and the skills I’ve gained that have been molded into my character. I owe a lot to Miss America and will forever remain grateful for all it has given me. It has changed my life for the better, given me the opportunity to earn my Bachelor’s degree and follow my dreams. Which is exactly what I’m doing.

Truly, nothing changes between who I was and what I was bringing to the Miss America Competition and now. I will still seek justice and fight against Human Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation for the rest of my life. I will still follow a path in which art, film and service can be combined to make the most influential change and impact in our Nation. I will still empower and cheer on all of my Miss America sisters and I will still be a member of the 100th class of Miss America. I may never step foot to compete on the Miss America stage, but the job I earned to represent Maine and be an ambassador and champion for the Miss America Organization will always be a part of me and one of the greatest honors of my life.

And above all else, I’ll still be me. Just a kid from Maine, following her big dreams, walking with God through the triumphs and hardships and lifting others along the way.

To my Mom, our hearts are aching together, but you are right- we will get through this. Something greater is in store. Thank you for the sacrifices and support you have given me relentlessly since I first started competing in 2013. I love you unconditionally.

Family and friends, you’ve pushed me, guided me, empowered me and stood by me for years. I am here because of you and for you. Thank you for all you’ve given me. I hope you’ll stay along for whatever adventure I’ll embark on next.

To the Miss Maine Organization and Sponsors. I’ve been blessed to have you surround me, prep me and guide me from day one. You believe in me, sometimes more than I believe in myself. But that’s what makes us a team. I love you all. We still have work to do.

To my 100th Class of Miss America Sisters. I wrote a letter to you all before I left, I hope you had a chance to read it/hear it. I meant every word. You have all inspired me in ways I can’t describe and showed me what the sisterhood is all about. It was an honor to spend the time I had with you. Each of you embody what Miss America is. I have no doubt you will all change the world. Soak up every minute. Laugh hard. And be in the present moment. Cheers to you all and to our new Miss America. I know you will lead us into a new era and make long lasting change.

If you’ve arrived with me this far, thank you.
This is not the end. It is just a new beginning.

For now I will continue to be still and know.

And rest.

Xoxo,

Miss Maine 2021

Mariah Larocque

Origional Spotfund Statement below:

I can't begin to explain how thrilled and honored I am to be here. It still feels like the most wonderful dream. 

I'm proudly your Miss Maine 2021, a recent graduate from the University of Southern Maine and a lover of the arts. I spent my time in college cultivating my craft in film, theatre, writing and acting. During my studies I realized that storytelling is not only a passion of mine but an incredibly powerful tool to create change. My goal is to pursue a Masters Degree and continue my career as a director, producer, screenwriter and actress. With 20 years of experience comprised of professional theatre and acting gigs ranging from commercials to features films. I've most recently completed writing my first full length feature film in which I hope to collaborate with a major production company to bring it to life as it sheds light on ending child sexual abuse.

As a survivor, I'm passionate about combating child sexual abuse, human trafficking and child exploitation. Through my social impact initiative, A Survivor's Purpose and my partnership with Thrive New England I fight these issues by traveling across the state, sharing my story and educating as many people as possible on the topic and the signs of grooming. I have big plans to take my social impact initiative to the national level and beyond and I can't wait to share those plans with you on December 16th at Miss America!

I started my Miss America journey in 2013 and have earned $30,000 in scholarships to pay for my degree. I faced many hardships in my middle school and high school years that at first seemed impossible to overcome. Joining the Miss America Organization and dedicating 7 years to the program in return gave me hope, communication skills, opportunities, friends and scholarships. I'll forever be grateful to the Miss America Scholarship Organization for affording me the resources and opportunity to pursue a higher education. More importantly, to be able to follow my dreams.

I share my MAO journey as much as possible so that people from all walks of life can learn that Miss America is the top scholarship provider to women in the world. But without your help, we wouldn't be able to provide as many life changing scholarships. All donations made here go directly to scholarships, however, donations made on my profile go towards votes to earn America's Choice Award.

What an honor it is to be here and to be celebrating the 100 year legacy of Miss America with you. I'd be honored to earn your vote and support for people's choice!

Thank you for your time!

Most sincerely, 

Mariah Larocque

It’s time for America’s Choice! This is your chance to have your voice heard in who you think exemplifies the qualities of Miss America as a leader, servant, and role model for young women. This year we’re offering a $5,000 scholarship to the winner to help her advance her education and achieve her life and career goals.

To vote, click your favorite candidate below to go to her page. Each dollar donated equals 1 vote, so the candidate with the most donations will win the America’s Choice scholarship. In addition to the $5,000 scholarship, she will be recognized on-stage during the Preliminary Competition at Mohegan Sun in December.

Voting has no impact on placement in the Final Night Competition. As a 501(c)4 nonprofit under IRS regulations, all donations to The Miss America Organization are not tax-deductible.

The Miss America Organization, a 501(c) (4), is one of the most recognizable household names in America working to empower young women through education and service. The Miss America Organization is comprised of 51 licensed state organizations, including all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The organization awards more than five million dollars in cash scholarships and millions more in-kind per year through national, state, and local programs. For more information, visit https://www.missamerica.org.