As the 2017 USA National Miss Maine Princess, 9-year-old Clare Kilcollins of Woodland competed this past weekend for the National Princess title in Boca Raton, Florida.
Kilcollins competed with girls aged 7 to 9 in the event sponsored by the national pageant organization USA National Miss. Other contestants vied for top spots in other age specific categories — Jr. Princess, Pre Teen, Jr. Teen, Teen, and Miss.
Clare’s mother Mandy Williams Kilcollins said on July 17 that while her daughter did not place in the top 15 national spots, she was presented a silver presidential award for having “just under 70 hours of community service” during a “Glamor Gala” event held at The Boca Resort & Beach Club.
Mandy Kilcollins said much of her daughter’s community service involves speaking out on bullying via the Crown CARES (creating a respectful environment in schools) program.
Clare Kilcollins said she had a good time at the Boca Raton event, and that her favorite part was “probably the interviews or the stage competition.”
The interview portion gives contestants one minute to share their accomplishments, goals, and personality with the judges. The runway fashion show stage competition, according to the USA National Miss website, is a “real runway fashion show,” involving runway modeling with “red carpet-style” dresses.”
The six day event primarily involved practice, Mandy Kilcollins said, adding that the girls were treated to a “pink party,” in which contestants can “get to know each other and let loose.”
“Clare really enjoyed the experience of being on the national stage,” her mother said. “It’s taught her a lot about volunteering as well as being on a national and state platform.”
Mandy Kilcollins said the next step for he daughter will be a trip to Saco on Aug. 18 and 19 to give her current crown of USA National Miss Maine Princess to next year’s state winner.
