Aroostook County native chosen Mrs. Maine

    Hydie Jandreau Knuckles, of Saco and formerly of Fort Fairfield, has been crowned Mrs. Maine and will represent the state in the Mrs. United States National Pageant in Las Vegas in July.     “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to represent my community and my state,” said Knuckles, who owns Bello in Home Salon, a full-service traveling beauty salon. “It is something I have dreamed of doing for years.”
    Knuckles, who grew up in Aroostook County, studied in Brazil during her senior year of high school with the International Fellowship Exchange program. In addition, she won a spot in a coveted exchange program to study fashion in England at the American College in London while she attended Cazenovia College in New York.
    “My exchange experiences changed my life and I would like to see more youth have the same opportunity,” she said. “Imagine moving from Aroostook County to Brazil at 17. What an eye-opener!”
    Knuckles is a member of the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club and is active in that club’s youth exchange program. Rotary International sends thousands of kids around the world on exchange every year and supports the students to ensure that they have a positive experience.
    “The Rotary program is amazing, considering how much support the kids get,” Knuckles said. “I am proud of the work that our club does in that capacity.”
    To get ready for the competition, Knuckles said she will be researching various youth exchange programs, finding the perfect gown and swimsuit, and raising money to help defray the cost of the pageant.
    Knuckles has been married to Will Knuckles since 2003. They have a 6-year-old daughter named Kiera.
    Knuckles holds an associate’s degree from Cazenovia College and is working on her bachelor’s degree through the University of Maine Augusta. She worked in banking for more than a decade before deciding to start her traveling salon business.
    She is active in the community and currently works with or has worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Biddeford Saco Chamber Women and the Heart of Biddeford organization. She serves on the board of directors of the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club.
    Knuckles will be appearing at events throughout the state and is available to do other appearances. If interested in having Mrs. Maine appear at your event, please e-mail kiera2004@msn.com
    The Mrs. United States pageant was first held in 1986 to “celebrate the achievements of married women throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories.” According to the organization’s website, officials said: “We believe that married women should be recognized for their ability to integrate intellect and beauty.”
    Tammy Johns Brown from South Carolina is the reigning Mrs. United States.
    Besides the crown, other awards available are the civic award, Mrs. Congeniality Award, Physical Fitness Award, Mrs. Photogenic and the Audience Choice Award.
    “I am excited to have this opportunity to compete,” said Knuckles. “My family will be with me in Las Vegas, cheering me on, and I know I’ll have support from the community and the state to give me the confidence I need to do my best.”