Cynthia Peters, the current Mrs. Gorham, will compete for the Mrs. Maine America title on April 30 at the DoubleTree Hotel. Peters is a chemistry graduate from UNH who moved to Maine four years ago when her first son was born. She is currently at home full-time with her kids, but volunteers whenever possible. Peters is supported by her husband, Jack, and her two sons, Riley and Brady. The family loves to spend time hiking and biking near their Gorham home. She took a few minutes to discuss her role and the upcoming pageant.

How did you become interested in the Mrs. Maine pageant?

I saw a sign at the DoubleTree in South Portland and I had to see what was involved, so I checked it out online. Coincidentally, a few months later the Mrs. Maine America organization contacted me. I’m a stay-at-home mom of two young boys and I knew the pageant would be a challenge, that it would bring me out of my comfort zone in many ways, but that it would be an experience of a lifetime.

What was your motivation in running for Mrs. Maine?

Ultimately, I took this opportunity to get involved in community efforts and became a volunteer with The Dream Factory of Maine, an organization that grants dreams for children who are critically and chronically ill. I am also a member of the Gorham Cares committee, whose goals are to help people in need within the Gorham community. The Mrs. Maine organization also provides many opportunities to be able to give back to Maine communities.

What do you hope to accomplish by becoming Mrs. Maine?

I want to represent our state at the national level as an inspiration to other wives and mothers through my own experiences and efforts within and outside of my home. I want to show other women they can feel happy and confident with their accomplishments, whether that be as a wife, mother, employee, or volunteer. I feel this is also a wonderful opportunity to show my support of The Dream Factory and the Gorham Cares organizations.