MISS WASECA COUNTY SLEIGH & CUTTER
May Diddy
Class of 2025
Class of 2025
Talent: Vocal Performance
Community Service Initiative: Young, Sober, Thriving: Raising awareness of substance misuse and abuse in young people Directors: Jennifer Burt & Molly Kopischke, Email: [email protected] Next Competition Date: TBA Triple Competition with Miss South Central, and Owatonna |
My community service initiative focuses on raising public awareness of substance misuse and addiction in young people. I have a passion for working with young people in recovery from substance dependency because I struggled with alcohol and drug use throughout my teens. When I was 22 years old, I attended a treatment facility for individuals aged 25 and under. Now, two and a half years sober, I share my experience, strength, and hope with others who may be struggling. From organizing sober events and visiting schools and treatment facilities in my area to hosting international conferences, I aim to demonstrate that sobriety can be fun while also raising awareness of the dangers of addiction among today’s youth.
I had a unique childhood—I lived on a boat during the first year of my life, which sparked my love for adventure. I grew up moving across the United States and have had the opportunity to live in six different states, giving me a diverse perspective on life. I have been immersed in the entertainment industry from a young age, with experience spanning stage, TV, and film. Over the course of my acting career, I’ve had the honor of receiving multiple awards for my musical theater performances, including accolades from the Jerry Herman Awards, National Youth Arts, and the John Raitt Awards. In 2021, I graduated with honors from The New School College of Performing Arts with a BFA in Drama. My work has also extended to commercial acting, including a national campaign for Hallmark, and I’ve made appearances on national TV shopping networks. In addition to my acting career, I served as a staff member for National American Miss from 2014 to 2020 and have spent the past two years working as a dedicated private childcare provider. I plan to combine my love for acting and teaching children by pursuing a career in children's media, creating engaging, educational content that inspires empowerment, resilience, and positive change in the next generation of leaders. Currently, I bring my puppet friend, Sunny, to elementary schools and preschools to teach kids about healthy coping skills and identifying emotions as they arise. My presentations are based on research showing that building self-efficacy can help prevent children and teens from turning to substances as a solution. Beyond my creative pursuits, I am deeply committed to service, having contributed to my local recovery community through magazine interviews, attending and hosting local, national, and international conferences for young people in recovery from substance use disorder, and partnering with sober homes to provide valuable resources. I’ve also had the privilege of speaking at local schools and treatment centers, sharing insights from my personal experience and information on preventing substance dependence and misuse. Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibilities as I serve with the Miss America opportunity as a role model and ambassador, inspiring hope in people of all ages. I am driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact both within my local community and across Minnesota, blending my diverse experiences and passion for service to share a message that resonates and uplifts. As I move forward, I remain committed to learning, growing, and using my voice to help others along the way. |