ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. – Born and raised in St Mary’s County and a graduate of Leonardtown High School class of 2013, Rachel LaBatt got an internship on base in 2012 and fell in love with engineering. She graduated from Arizona State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and became a full time flight test engineer for naval test wing Atlantic.
During Covid, in March 2020, the world had a ventilator shortage. That led to some very innovative ideas and a DoD Vulcan challenge to engineer ventilators. LaBatt’s coworker brought her onto the project that was helped by a local nonprofit, SOMD Loves You. They created heat sanitization units and also PPE gowns out of plastic table cloths. They talked about having a fashion show for the PPE gowns and maybe getting Miss Maryland to model it. That’s when the idea of pageantry first came to LaBatt’s mind. She realized that pageantry is about having a cause and a purpose, not just a pretty face.
Remembering her humble beginnings, LaBatt recalled, “I never modeled or ever walked in five inch heels before so I turned to my coworker whose wife is Miss Virginia USA 2018 for guidance.”
“I didn’t grow up thinking I would ever be a model. In fact, I would joke constantly with my mom that ‘there goes my modeling career’ every time I got a new scar. I was not confident in my appearance, always thinking I was just a nerd. This changed when I started to embody the passion of my Special Olympic athletes. They constantly teach me how to be brave in the face of adversity. How to be courageous and confident in yourself no matter the outcome.”
Her passion has become a mission.
“Now I aspire to share my knowledge and self understanding with those around me. To help others have the courage and confidence to achieve everything and anything they aspire to do,” LaBatt told The BayNet.
“Our St. Mary’s County athletes are set to compete at St Mary’s Ryken for their Spring Games on April 4th, we are still welcoming volunteers if anyone would like to sign up!”
She went on to say, “The first ever pageant I competed in was Miss Maryland USA 2021 where Maria Derisavi (Leonardtown grad) won Miss Maryland Teen USA 2021! It was an incredible experience with uplifting women who all want to see each other succeed. Although I didn’t win that pageant, the connections I made propelled me into modeling, to include walking the runway at New York Fashion Week twice, modeling wedding gowns for David’s Bridal, runway model for Johnathan Kayne, and most recently appearing on Fox 5 news for Virginia Fashion Designer Mona Moumen.”
Although success wasn’t immediate, it gave her the opportunity and strength to eventually succeed.
“The dress I wore on camera was made for Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel and has inspired the evening gown I will wear for my upcoming Miss Maryland USA 2024 pageant on May 31st and June 1st at Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.”
There will be close to 100 women competing for the title of Miss Maryland USA from all over the state, and LaBatt is grateful to be able to represent St. Mary’s County.
After submitting her application and telephone interview, the directors asked for her top five locations in Maryland to represent. She chose Miss St Mary’s County USA 2024 as her number one choice and was granted the title. The winner of Miss Maryland USA goes on to compete for Miss USA. Miss USA goes on to compete for Miss Universe. This is a separate pageant than Miss America where active duty Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh currently holds that prestigious title for 2024.
It almost didn’t happen for LaBatt, but fate stepped in.
“I chose the USA pageant system back in 2021 because I aged out of Miss America. In 2021 the age limit was set to 25 and I was turning 26 that year. Last year Miss America raised their age limit to 28, however, I was already pursuing my title of Miss International Super Model 2023. I won that title in Orlando, Florida in June 2023 by competing in eight modeling events against women all over the world. It helped me gain more confidence in my evening gown and swimsuit walk to prepare for the Miss Maryland USA stage. This year, 2024, is the first year that Miss USA eliminated the age limit of 28, thus allowing myself to compete after believing I had ‘aged out.’”
When asked what she would tell future girls and women about getting into pageantry, she responded, “My advice for anyone aspiring to compete in pageants is to go in with two goals. It is always great to have the goal of being crowned Miss Maryland USA but, more importantly, set a goal focused on yourself such as self improvement, making meaningful connections, and regardless of the outcome, never give up on your purpose of why you started in the first place. What is meant for you will not pass you. I wholeheartedly believe that.”
Her plans until the big day?
“I love my job as a Flight Test Engineer at Pax River Naval Air Station because I get to work side by side with Naval Aviators, testing software, destined for the fleet, before the fleet receives it.I am grateful that my leadership supports me and my desire to do both: engineering and modeling. So, I am content where I am!”
For Miss Maryland USA, there are three categories of competition: Interview, Swimsuit and Evening Gown. There is no talent portion (such as Miss America) but if there were, she would be onstage explaining a science experiment to the audience!
“I am fortunate to have support from local businesses such as Glow Lash and Beauty in La Plata, Maryland who sponsor my spray tan, lashes and more for appearances, photoshoots and events,” LaBatt concluded with confidence, intelligence and beauty.
For more information on Rachel LaBatt, click here.
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