MISS ST. CROIX VALLEY
Whitney McClain
Class of 2026
Class of 2026
Talent: Vocal
Community Service Initiative: Tailoring your Toolbox Director: Sammi Massie Email: [email protected] Next Competition Date: September 12, 2026 Competition held with Miss River Valley, Miss Mississippi and Miss Minnesota Valley |
Mental Health Matters
In 2015 Whitney nearly lost her friend to suicide; a moment that shifted her entire worldview. That that led her to create Tailoring Your Toolbox. An initiative focused on mental health awareness and advocacy through the 3 C's: Community, Conversation, and Connection. Through those pillars, she has 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 her the opportunity to connect on a personal level with her community of Moorhead and Minnesota as a whole. 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, Whitey has witnessed first hand how something as simple as a kind word or simply stating that you care can change someone’s outlook on life. Since that life changing day, she has been doing her part to bring awareness to and fighting the stigma that surrounds mental health. Her hope is that she can continue to inspire others to enact change and make a lasting legacy one step at a time. Who is Whitney? A performer, advocate, and life-long learner, Whitney is someone who appreciates the power of storytelling. She has always understood the need for connection between people - family, friends, neighbors - those we hold most dear. Beyond the crown, you can usually find Whitney curled up with a good book, dominating at kickball, tending to her virtual farm on Stardew Valley, or, on many occasions, performing on stage in her next theatrical production. She has been in over numerous with multiple companies, and has worked on 4 independent films. She appreciates roles that speak to complex issues and relationships; and the relaxed environment that a theatre can bring. Outside of the stage, she also continues to chase her educational dreams. Alongside her Bachelor of Fines Arts degree in Musical Theatre, she is currently in the process of completing the American Sign Language & Deaf Studies program and earning a Certificate in Writing. Her time with the Miss Minnesota Organization, developing Tailoring Your Toolbox, and getting to learn and grow alongside her community has shown her 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. Whitney is excited to take on this new adventure is Miss St Croix Valley and she cannot wait to share the journey with you! |