MISS RIVER VALLEY
Whitney McClain
Class of 2025
Class of 2025
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Talent: Vocal
Community Service Initiative: Tailoring your Toolbox Director: Sammi Massie Email: [email protected] River Valley is held with St Croix Valley, Minnesota & Mississippi Valley. Date of Competition: September 20, 2025 
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Growing up, mental health wasn’t a topic that was touched on frequently, if at all. There weren’t many spaces for growth and self-discovery, and welcoming environments to share our feelings and experiences were few and far between. I didn’t fully realize the importance and relevance mental health played in our lives, and it wasn’t until I was older that I fully began to understand my own experience living with a mental health condition.
In my journey to find a welcoming community, I began to dive into the world of performing arts. I’ve always had an affinity for singing. It’s been a long-time passion of mine, and I knew it was something I wanted to continue doing regardless if it led to a career or remained a hobby. Little did I know that stepping onto that stage in the 7th grade for a high school production of ‘Grease: The Musical’ would ultimately lead me to finding my true calling in life. As a life-long performer, I have always understood the need for connection between people - family, friends, neighbors - and those we hold dear the most. Theatre has allowed me to follow my passions and chase my dreams while holding that virtue close at heart. If there is one thing the Miss America Opportunity has taught me, it’s that community support is vital and true, meaningful change happens when we work together. Growing up I didn’t understand the importance of community involvement, nor did I believe that I could make a change in the world. I thought, “How could one single person achieve something that seemed so out of reach?” But as I grew older and found myself presented with the tools to do good in the world, I began to realize that positive change matters regardless of how big or small. In 2015 I nearly lost my friend to suicide and my entire worldview shifted. It was at that moment I truly understood the impact a mental health condition can have on another person’s life. Since that day I've been doing my part to bring awareness to and fight the stigma that surrounds mental health. That is why Tailoring Your Toolbox is focused on mental health awareness and advocacy. This is one of the ways I have been able to connect and serve my community; challenging the narrative and changing the way we think about mental health. Through my three pillars: Community, Conversation, and Connection, I have been advocating for better mental health support in Minnesota as well as helping individuals across the state ‘tailor their own toolbox’; encouraging self-exploration and pinpointing available resources. This initiative has given me the opportunity to connect on a personal level with my community of Moorhead and Minnesota as a whole. With these connections, I've had the honor of working with organizations focused on supporting those living with mental health conditions. From partnering with NAMI Minnesota and NAMI Moorhead, presenting to over 300+ students in middle and high schools, to story times with the Lake Agassiz Regional Library and fundraisers with Act Up Theatre, I’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as a kind word or simply stating that you care can change someone’s outlook on life. My time with the Miss Minnesota Organization, developing Tailoring Your Toolbox, and getting to learn and grow alongside my community has shown me that change is possible when we stand together for a common purpose. By fostering these difficult conversations, connecting with ourselves and others, and supporting community resources, we can shift the narrative and create a positive environment for all. My hope is that we can continue to inspire others to enact change and make a lasting legacy one step at a time. |