Eva's journey to Miss Maine Teen USA 2024

Hello, my name is Eva Benjamin. I am representing my hometown of Hermon in the Miss Maine Teen USA pageant on March 10th, 2024. As a state finalist in this pageant, I am competing to represent my state for a year-long term.

About Me: I am a senior at Hermon High School. Within Hermon High, I am the student council president and senior class treasurer. I also represent Hermon as a student ambassador and MC at school-wide and district-wide events. Additionally, I represent the student body as the senior student representative for the Hermon School Committee. Beyond my school, I represent New England as the District Bulletin Editor of Key Clubs. Therefore, I am a representative of more than 6,000 Key Clubbers throughout New England. In addition to my leadership positions and my devotion to community service, I work part-time at Patrick's Fine Gifts, also known as the Hallmark store. My job allows me to meet and interact with a variety of individuals, and improve my interpersonal skills.

Pageants: Last summer, I decided to compete for the title of Miss Maine Teen USA 2024. I made this executive decision because I am already a representative of my community, and I would be honored to represent my state. As a dedicated leader and volunteer, I already devote much of my time to improving my community. However, this title would allow me to advocate for change on a larger scale. I am advocating for awareness about youth mental health through my platform, "Couragefully." The goal of my platform is to help youth fully overcome their depression and anxiety with courage. I will use this platform to raise awareness about mental health, provide resources, promote positivity, and donate to established charities and organizations.

Fundraisers: Pageants are costly, so I have been fundraising for the past four months. My main fundraiser has been a bottle drive. Since October, I have raised $700 from recycling. Therefore, I have recycled nearly 15,000 bottles and cans. I received bottle donations from friends and family, but I also gathered bottles from my school. This positively impacted my school and community. This fundraiser has been very successful. It has allowed me to work hard for the money I've raised. Additionally, I was able to benefit my community and the environment.

Sponsors: I have been fortunate enough to receive support from my community. Several local businesses have sponsored me, and I would like to share my gratitude for their generosity. Thank you to Greenway Equipment Sales, Patrick's Fine Gifts, Refinement Day Spa, and Hermon Family Dental.

I have been preparing for this pageant for more than 6 months. Preparation is costly: my family and I have devoted a lot of time and money towards my success in this pageant. In just one month, I will travel to Burlington, Massachusetts to compete for the title of Miss Maine Teen USA. During this final stretch, I am asking for support from friends and family. All donations are immensely appreciated, and if you are not able to donate, please share this.

Thank you all for your support!

Eva Benjamin

Miss Hermon Teen USA