• Falmouth native will compete in Miss USA Pageant

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  Falmouth native Jessica Strohm as she wins the Miss New Hampshire crown. Courtesy photo by Todd Ward
  

  

  
• By Rachael Devaney

  
  Posted Mar. 29, 2016 at 10:04 AM 
  
  FALMOUTH

  For Jessica Strohm, 25, who will compete in the upcoming Miss USA Pageant, winning a crown has nothing to do with glitz and glam and everything to do with "heart and determination."

  "Yes, the beauty pageant industry has definitely developed stereotypes over the years as being all about looks and cutthroat competition but, for me, winning a crown has allowed me to develop a sense of empowerment as a woman so I can make a difference in the lives of others," Strohm said. "What people don't understand is that pageants teach you how to have a sense of confidence and how to be proud of who you are."

  The Falmouth native, who is also a New England Patriots cheerleader, began her reign as Miss New Hampshire this past October and will soon begin training for this summer's Miss USA Pageant. The event, which will be broadcast nationally this summer, will focus on three components including an interview portion as well as a swimsuit and evening gown competition.

  While Strohm has only competed twice before and New Hampshire has only placed four times in Miss USA Pageant history (according to its website), Strohm is confident she can once again win just by being herself.

  "When I first started competing, I had no trainer or coach and I just kind of bought a dress, walked on stage, and did my best. What I learned was that these kinds of platforms allowed me to put the best parts of my life forward and enabled me to talk about my passions and who I was as a person, not just what I looked like," Strohm said. "Now that I'll be competing on a national level, there is a lot more to it but the same premise is there -- which is to get out of my comfort zone and embrace life's opportunities."

  As the competition (which is being run by global company IMG) unfolds, Strohm is still fulfilling her duties as Miss New Hampshire. She represents organizations like Best Buddies, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the American Cancer Society. Because she also holds a full-time job as an area manager for Performance Foodservice and a part-time job as a waitress at the British Beer Company in Manchester, New Hampshire, her schedule is tight. However, she said public appearances and active partnerships only further prepare her for a Miss USA win.

  "Having a title has allowed me to get more involved with these amazing organizations and refine my skills as a public speaker," Strohm said. "Sometimes people forget that after we win a crown, part of that honor is carrying on responsibilities throughout the year. Because that's such a short amount of time, I have really been dedicated and committed to helping as much as I can."

  One additional duty that Strohm chose to pick up after her win was to be involved with the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. As a person who has suffered domestic abuse in the past, she said she chose to share her physical and emotional pain with others to help them in their own experiences.

  "I had to deal with an abusive situation four years ago and being involved with this organization has helped me speak out against abuse and has also helped me further embrace my dreams," Strohm said. "Even though that was a hard time in my life, it showed me that you can't let anyone or anybody hold you back from pursing your passions and your aspirations."

  As Strohm continues to win beauty competitions and pursue a career as a television personality through media outlets like Dirty Water TV on NESN and North Shore Magazine TV, her mother Kim Strohm couldn't be more proud. While Mom admits she "never could have imagined" how much her daughter would accomplish in this field, Kim Strohm also said her daughter has always been "bound and determined."

  "Her career choice has been a surprise because beauty pageants weren't a part of Jessie's childhood. But I also know that she has always been the type to wrap her mind around an idea and never let go," Kim said. "Even when she tried out for the New England Patriots squad, she didn't make it until her fourth try. She got closer and closer each time and worked extremely hard until that goal was a reality."

  While Kim, who is an administrative assistant and assistant emergency management director for Falmouth Fire Rescue Department, feels that her daughter's ability to take risks is the secret to her success, the proud mother also credits the town of Falmouth with establishing a sturdy platform for her children growing up. From Jessica's dance lessons at Falmouth Dance Academy to spending every summer cooking and serving food at the Falmouth Strawberry Festival, Kim said there has been overwhelming support from the entire town, which has helped Jessica and Kim's other daughter, Kailee, grow up to be "strong women."

  "I'm not only proud of Jessie for going after her dreams but I'm also proud of all the kids who the town of Falmouth produces who are doing great things," Kim said. "There are so many people that have touched our lives from the time the kids were little and, as a community, there has been ongoing wonderful positive encouragement which has helped shape my daughters into who they are."

  While Strohm is now a Manchester, N.H. resident, she also holds strong ties to Falmouth and will hold her Miss USA send-off party May 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Landfall Restaurant in Woods Hole as a way to further connect with her hometown. She explained that, long before she entered the world of beauty competitions, the Falmouth community helped set the stage for her eventual crowning.

  "There is no better feeling than crossing the bridge and coming home to see everyone and catch up on all that's going on," she said. "Growing up and cheering for Pop Warner and dancing for the Falmouth Dance Academy is where I got my start and I'll never forget that. Falmouth is home."

  
  http://falmouth.wickedlocal.com/article/20160329/NEWS/160326049