It was three weeks ago that Rosie Haibon of Windham set off to do something that not many people can that they have done in their lives: compete in a pageant and win it.
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| Rosie Haibon of Windham won the title of 'Young American Women of Service Teen' at a pageant held at the DoubleTree Hotel in South Portland from July 27 to July 31. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
Over the span of the week-long competition, Haibon participated in the pageant rehearsals and fun parties. In total, there were about 100 women competing and all varying in age and origin and from different countries. Each participant had gone through a state pageant and had won for their division. There were girls from almost every state, and a few girls from Canada and South America.
“Our age divisions range is super diverse,” says Haibon. “Our oldest contestant, who won her division, was 77 years old. She was the definition of a graceful southern Belle.”
Haibon has been working to prepare for this pageant since last September, when she was crowned the Maine Teen.
“I worked alongside my coaches for interview and walking, but they also helped me build my platform and gain more attention on social media,” said Haibon. “I met with my coaches once a week through Zoom, and then a few times in person.”
Internationals week kicked off strong with a welcome party and masquerade party, where the contestants got to meet and spend time with their new sister queens. The next day was filled with rehearsal and followed by a gala dinner. Friday was an optional show rehearsal and a pool party. Saturday was an optional show and interview, where Haibon did three optionals that she chose to participate with her mom in, the two of them walking down the runway.
The next one was speech, where Haibon surprised her mom with a letter she wrote to her. Finally, Haibon participated in a runway competition for a modeling opportunity.
“I loved meeting all the other contestants and getting to welcome them to Maine,” she said. “It was such a prideful moment to get to play tour guide and host to these incredible women who were so excited to travel to our home state.”
During the competition, Haibon says she faced a lot of challenges internally. This is the biggest pageant she’s ever done, and she really wanted to represent Maine well and make her state proud.
“Definitely the most difficult part was waiting for the results. I felt like I was on pins and needles the whole week. I just couldn’t wait to know who had won,” Haibon said. “Interview was easily the most exciting portion, as it counts for the most, but I also got to talk about my passions and what I’m dedicated to.”
In the internationals, Haibon won the crown based upon four phases of competition. She had the highest score for interview, runway fashion and evening gown. Every girl in a division is judged based on those categories and then the highest optional score is taken into that score as well. Haibon did three optionals, so the judges could choose from those three scores too.
“This was the final tier in our pageant system, I am officially at the top of our pyramid. Our prize package is huge and is so incredible,” says Haibon. “I will receive a scholarship for school, modeling opportunities, and various other surprises throughout the year! Our director really likes keeping our gifts a secret.”
This competition takes place once a year, so in July 2023, Haibon will go back to pass her title on to her successor.
“In less than a month, it will have been one year since I was crowned Maine Teen,” she said. “So next month I’ll be giving up that title to another special young lady.”
Haibon says that her mom is her biggest supporter.
“She worked super hard all year and especially during the week helping me get dressed and pack, but she also helped me keep calm mentally and not get into my head. I love her so much, and she does so much for me. I wouldn’t have won without her being by my side.”
Haibon says that anyone can do pageants, no matter your physical or mental state.
“Everyone can do well in pageants, and I think it should be something you do once in your life. It’s such a blast to do and it gives you a family of sisters like no other. I was crowned as someone who is a size 12 dress, and as someone with autism. If you had told me when I was little that I would be an international titleholder, I never would have believed you. But here I am today,” she says.
She believes that everyone should do pageants, not just for the crown or title, but for the experience that you get when you do this.
“This is so amazing and something that Maine and the United States should be very proud of! I was selected out of girls from different areas of the world. I’m so excited to have this honor and to be this representative,” Haibon said. “I’m so proud to be representing Maine like this and to bring this honor to our state. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during this incredible journey, I could not have done this without your love and support. Remember to love who you are, you’re beautiful and perfect just the way you are.” <
Maine and Mississippi tied for the most girls coming to compete, with nine girls from both states, according to Haibon.
“Our age divisions range is super diverse,” says Haibon. “Our oldest contestant, who won her division, was 77 years old. She was the definition of a graceful southern Belle.”
“I worked alongside my coaches for interview and walking, but they also helped me build my platform and gain more attention on social media,” said Haibon. “I met with my coaches once a week through Zoom, and then a few times in person.”
Internationals week kicked off strong with a welcome party and masquerade party, where the contestants got to meet and spend time with their new sister queens. The next day was filled with rehearsal and followed by a gala dinner. Friday was an optional show rehearsal and a pool party. Saturday was an optional show and interview, where Haibon did three optionals that she chose to participate with her mom in, the two of them walking down the runway.
The next one was speech, where Haibon surprised her mom with a letter she wrote to her. Finally, Haibon participated in a runway competition for a modeling opportunity.
“I loved meeting all the other contestants and getting to welcome them to Maine,” she said. “It was such a prideful moment to get to play tour guide and host to these incredible women who were so excited to travel to our home state.”
During the competition, Haibon says she faced a lot of challenges internally. This is the biggest pageant she’s ever done, and she really wanted to represent Maine well and make her state proud.
“Definitely the most difficult part was waiting for the results. I felt like I was on pins and needles the whole week. I just couldn’t wait to know who had won,” Haibon said. “Interview was easily the most exciting portion, as it counts for the most, but I also got to talk about my passions and what I’m dedicated to.”
In the internationals, Haibon won the crown based upon four phases of competition. She had the highest score for interview, runway fashion and evening gown. Every girl in a division is judged based on those categories and then the highest optional score is taken into that score as well. Haibon did three optionals, so the judges could choose from those three scores too.
“This was the final tier in our pageant system, I am officially at the top of our pyramid. Our prize package is huge and is so incredible,” says Haibon. “I will receive a scholarship for school, modeling opportunities, and various other surprises throughout the year! Our director really likes keeping our gifts a secret.”
This competition takes place once a year, so in July 2023, Haibon will go back to pass her title on to her successor.
“In less than a month, it will have been one year since I was crowned Maine Teen,” she said. “So next month I’ll be giving up that title to another special young lady.”
Haibon says that her mom is her biggest supporter.
“She worked super hard all year and especially during the week helping me get dressed and pack, but she also helped me keep calm mentally and not get into my head. I love her so much, and she does so much for me. I wouldn’t have won without her being by my side.”
Haibon says that anyone can do pageants, no matter your physical or mental state.
“Everyone can do well in pageants, and I think it should be something you do once in your life. It’s such a blast to do and it gives you a family of sisters like no other. I was crowned as someone who is a size 12 dress, and as someone with autism. If you had told me when I was little that I would be an international titleholder, I never would have believed you. But here I am today,” she says.
She believes that everyone should do pageants, not just for the crown or title, but for the experience that you get when you do this.
“This is so amazing and something that Maine and the United States should be very proud of! I was selected out of girls from different areas of the world. I’m so excited to have this honor and to be this representative,” Haibon said. “I’m so proud to be representing Maine like this and to bring this honor to our state. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during this incredible journey, I could not have done this without your love and support. Remember to love who you are, you’re beautiful and perfect just the way you are.” <
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