Miss Maine

Karissa Staples

What is your hometown like?
I live in a beautiful, coastal community in southern Maine. It is small enough where almost everyone knows each other, and it's a great place to grow up.

What were you like when you were a child?
I was a very shy child who kept to myself, but I loved to sing. I would lock myself in my room every night and sing for hours on end. It took me until I was 14 when I finally broke out of my shell.

Who is the most influential person in your life?
My mom. I respect her opinion and admire everything about her. She always knows what is best for me.

What is one thing about you that people you meet may not immediately realize?
At first, people might not know that I have a great sense of humor, but people won't see it unless they really get to know me.

What was one defining moment in your life?
I'll never forget when my mom forced me to sing happy birthday at my dad's big 40th birthday celebration. It was my very first time singing in front of a crowd, but after that, I wouldn't shut up!

What was one defining moment in your life?
I had never been in a pageant before running for Miss Maine this year, but in that short time, I've learned that you just have to be yourself. There are girls who tend to compare themselves to others, but they don't realize that people are going to love them for who they really are and not who they wish or pretend to be.

What was one defining moment in your life?
Of course, I would work hard at promoting both the Miss America Organization and America's Promise. I would also hope to create a young, fresh image and do as much as I can where even people who do not follow pageants, will know and remember Miss America 2007.