By Angelina Keizer, UNE Intern
Sanford native Kayley Weymouth’s journey to the Women of Service State Pageant stage wasn’t a lifelong dream sparked by tiaras and gowns. It was the next step in a life already deeply committed to community, driven by personal victory and guided by a family legacy of service.
“I’m just a normal girl,” Weymouth insists. “I want to do good in the community.”
That desire to do good recently earned her the title of 2026 Coastal Maine Women of Service Mrs. in a pageant that honors good works as well as good looks. After seeing the regional pageant advertised online, she decided to take a leap. “I reached out and got right into it,” she said. Not only did she win her regional title, but the experience itself was a revelation. “I didn’t win the state title, but I found it enjoyable anyways. It was fun to participate in.”
For Weymouth, the journey to the pageant began with a profound personal achievement: losing 200 pounds over the last three years. This health journey fueled a newfound confidence that she carried with her into the competition.
“Confidence is such a key when it comes to the pageants and life in general,” Weymouth explained. “It’s not about winning, but it is a perk.” She credits much of her success to the support system she found within the pageant world from her mentor, Morgan Wing, and fellow contestants. “The pageant community is a whole other community I didn’t know existed,” she said. “It’s a place where women are uplifting other women. All the girls were helpful and complimenting. I felt like everybody should’ve gotten that award.”
The service focus of the pageant is a perfect fit for Weymouth, who is involved with three non-profits that make up her platform: Strong Foundations Maine, Renovation Relief, and Ember’s Paws of Hope. Renovation Relief provides home renovations for low-income individuals. She provides daily work with this population by in-home care. Embers Paws of Hope uses therapy dogs to support veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers.
Weymouth graduated from Sanford High School and describes her hometown as having that special “everybody knew everybody” feel. “I love my roots, wouldn’t change that for the world,” she says. That connection is most vigorous at Shaw’s Ridge Farm in Sanford, her main sponsor, where her aunt works, and her first job at age 15. “I definitely learned a lot about my work ethic from being there,” she says.
She also fondly remembers spending her high school years at local spots like The Henhouse and Aroma Joe’s and getting her start in community service at Goodall Park and Benton Park, working concession stands at Sanford Mainers games. It was also during these years, through service with the elderly, that she first got the idea to pursue a career in health care.
That calling was further solidified by her family. “My family is rooted in service—the men in my family are pretty much all military, most of the ladies were actually in health care,” she said. “Seeing the caring nature of my mom and grandmother really shaped where I wanted to be in my life and career.” She and her sister, who are on track to graduate from college the same year, are the first generation in their family to earn a college degree.
For Weymouth, the title of Coastal Maine Women of Service is about more than a sash. “Knowing exactly what to wear and the confidence aspect—being in front of everybody, it was a lot,” she admits. But the deeper meaning is about being a role model she wishes she’d had. “I wish somebody had taken me under their wing as a teenager and told me I could do anything I wanted as long as I put my mind to it. Things aren’t great in Sanford and especially in the world. I want to strengthen the community.”
To that end, she is planning a nonprofit workshop with Shaw’s Ridge Farm to get more girls in the Springvale community involved. She encourages those who wish to get involved. “If girls want to reach out for help, go to the manager at Shaw’s Ridge Farm to connect with me!”
The post Pageant Winner: It’s About Service to Others appeared first on Sanford Springvale News.
