ERYN LALONDE
Contestant Liaison and Social Media Assistant
Eryn LaLonde’s journey with the Miss America Organization began during her freshman year of high school in Manatee County, Florida. Driven by a dream of pursuing higher education and the reality of college expenses, she and her mother sought out scholarship opportunities. That search led her to enter her very first local competition. Though she did not win in her first or second attempt, her perseverance paid off, and “third time’s the charm” proved true when she earned the title of Miss Manatee County’s Outstanding Teen 2015. Representing her hometown at the Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen competition, Eryn built lasting friendships and community connections that continued to open doors — including additional local scholarships that helped pave her academic future.
After the passing of her mother in 2018 from a rare form of cancer, Eryn stepped back from competition. But as she prepared to enter graduate school, she returned to the stage, winning Miss Polk County 2023. It was during her years in the organization that she met Emily Schumacher — then Miss Mankato — who would later become Miss Minnesota 2024. The two developed a close friendship, and through Emily, Eryn found her way into the Miss Minnesota family.
Although she had aged out of competing, Eryn embraced a new role behind the scenes. She assisted Emily throughout her year of service — from social media support to event coordination — and soon became an invaluable resource for the Miss Minnesota Board as Contestant Liaison and Social Media Assistant. In this role, she has been the key point of contact for delegates competing for Miss Minnesota and Miss Minnesota’s Teen, helping with paperwork, organization, and the logistics of state competition week.
Through her time in the Miss America Opportunity, Eryn was awarded over $250,000 in scholarships, enabling her to graduate debt-free with a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Florida and an Executive Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Central Florida.
Today, though Eryn resides in Florida, her heart and commitment remain deeply tied to Minnesota. She is dedicated to making every contestant feel welcomed, supported, and empowered, while working to help the program grow and thrive. She credits the mission of the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Organization — and the remarkable young women who compete — with inspiring her to continue serving on the Board and investing in the future of the program.
Contestant Liaison and Social Media Assistant
Eryn LaLonde’s journey with the Miss America Organization began during her freshman year of high school in Manatee County, Florida. Driven by a dream of pursuing higher education and the reality of college expenses, she and her mother sought out scholarship opportunities. That search led her to enter her very first local competition. Though she did not win in her first or second attempt, her perseverance paid off, and “third time’s the charm” proved true when she earned the title of Miss Manatee County’s Outstanding Teen 2015. Representing her hometown at the Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen competition, Eryn built lasting friendships and community connections that continued to open doors — including additional local scholarships that helped pave her academic future.
After the passing of her mother in 2018 from a rare form of cancer, Eryn stepped back from competition. But as she prepared to enter graduate school, she returned to the stage, winning Miss Polk County 2023. It was during her years in the organization that she met Emily Schumacher — then Miss Mankato — who would later become Miss Minnesota 2024. The two developed a close friendship, and through Emily, Eryn found her way into the Miss Minnesota family.
Although she had aged out of competing, Eryn embraced a new role behind the scenes. She assisted Emily throughout her year of service — from social media support to event coordination — and soon became an invaluable resource for the Miss Minnesota Board as Contestant Liaison and Social Media Assistant. In this role, she has been the key point of contact for delegates competing for Miss Minnesota and Miss Minnesota’s Teen, helping with paperwork, organization, and the logistics of state competition week.
Through her time in the Miss America Opportunity, Eryn was awarded over $250,000 in scholarships, enabling her to graduate debt-free with a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Florida and an Executive Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Central Florida.
Today, though Eryn resides in Florida, her heart and commitment remain deeply tied to Minnesota. She is dedicated to making every contestant feel welcomed, supported, and empowered, while working to help the program grow and thrive. She credits the mission of the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Organization — and the remarkable young women who compete — with inspiring her to continue serving on the Board and investing in the future of the program.