Have you ever heard the quote, “don’t give up on your dreams no matter how small of big”? A small town girl took that quote to the next level when she was crowned Miss Maine Teen USA. Jessica Stewart, 19, of Unity, Maine was crowned in November of 2015. She was raised by mother, Laura Stewart, and father, Paul Stewart. Although, this had not been her dream for along time. “I didn’t grow up wanting to compete in pageants.” But when Heather Coutts, a family friend, asked her to do a photo shoot, she was inspired to compete.
Coutts was Stewart's coach for the two years she competed. Stewart's drive to compete in pageants was her confidence—“I was a very shy and unconfident girl. I knew competing in pageants would pull me out of my comfort zone, and it did. I am more comfortable in my own body.” Many people believe competing is an easy thing, but Stewart puts those beliefs to rest when she tells us about her training. “I drove 4 hours every weekend to train with Heather for 2-3 months. When I wasn’t walking around in swimsuits and gowns and practicing interview with her, I was constantly working out and watching what I ate. I would have to count my calories every single day.”
In 2015, Stewart placed in top ten, and was disappointed in herself. She no longer wanted to compete, until her father, Paul, convinced her otherwise—“One day, my dad asked me why I didn’t want to compete anymore. I told him that I didn’t want to lose. He convinced me to try at least one more year, and if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have been crowned the next year.”
Stewart's biggest support system was her family, but in particular her mother.“She has been there for me every single step of the way and done so many things for me. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her.” She is sad about not being able to compete this year as she explains her experience on stage—“I love being able to show off all of the hard work I put in and receiving the same support back. It’s the best feeling.” Stewart assures us she’s thinking about competing for Miss Main USA in a few years.
The impact winning the title has had on Stewart’s life is one she will never forget. “I have met so many amazing people. Going to appearances and meeting these people has really opened my eyes, and I have learned so much about myself as well.” Although winning the title has been an amazing thing for Stewart, there has been some drawbacks from holding the title. She had to miss a lot of high school and plans with her friends because of photo shoots and appearances. Stewart also explains the strain this has had on some relationships in her life, but she has always gotten through it, and everything is settled down now.
Some of the things she has done while holding the title is volunteering for many events including Best Buddies, End Youth Homelessness, USO: Operation That’s My Dress, and many photo-shoots. Stewart has been a gymnast all her life, and performing on the mat has helped her immensely in front of the judges. Being a gymnast has also hindered her experience with Miss Maine Teen USA. In January 2016, she got a concussion and couldn’t attend any events until April.
Winning the title of Miss Maine Teen USA made Stewart eligible to compete for Miss Teen USA in Las Vegas during August of 2016. “I had so much fun in Vegas,” She tells us excitedly as she explains to us the many things she did including gondola rides, volunteering for End Youth Homelessness, and a fun reception. It was hard work, as they had to rehearse all day long for the Miss Teen USA event for all the different routines they had to learn. “It was the best experience of my life, and I met so many young amazing women from every state.” Stewart explains how she was brought into a whole different world of pageantry, something you can’t see until you’re in it. “Holding this precious title has taught me so much. This year has been so amazing, and I will always remember the things being a title holder has taught me. It’s a wonderful thing.”
In 10 years, Stewart hopes to see herself as successful model. Modeling has always been a passion of hers. Miss Maine Teen USA has landed her a contract with New York Modeling Management Group. “One person I would really like to thank is my mom. She has helped me so much throughout this year, and there’s no way I would’ve been able to do this without her. She has basically been my manager the past two years, and she has kept me so organized.” Stewart would also like to thank everyone involved with Clemente Productions. Congratulations Jessica, and best of luck with your future.
