The Story is Out: Why Miss Maine USA opted out of Miss USA

Emily Johnson crowned Miss Maine USA last November.

I remember sitting at our January Titleholder Retreat when Mackenzie, the Executive Director for Miss Maine USA, got the call.  Her titleholder, Emily Johnson, had made her decision about foregoing the Miss USA pageant, thus relinquishing her title. 

The reason? The not-then-released date of the Miss USA telecast was falling on the same day as her big sister's wedding. Now I've known Mackenzie for years now and as a director, she only wants the best for her girls. As a friend, she wants nothing more than to see them reach their full potential. 

Naturally, she was upset for Emily, but only because she knew she was wrestling with such a tough decision. I never seen Mackenzie not support her girls. So with Emily's decision made, everyone did what was necessary to make sure Emily and her family were protected while starting Ashley, the new Miss Maine USA's journey to Miss USA. 

Executive Director, Mackenzie Davis with her 2009 Winners.

In the end, Emily gets to share in one of the most important moments her family will experience and Miss Maine USA, Ashley Lynn Marble, will show up gorgeous as ever to Miss USA on June 19th.

If you were in that situation, would you miss out on your sister's wedding or would you give up Miss USA? It's a tough call, but at the end of the day as long as you stay true to yourself, you can rest with the choice you've made. 

Everyone involved did an excellent job in handling the situation so that both Emily and Ashley could move forward positively and I cannot wait to see how fabulous Ashley will look at Miss USA!