Introducing Stonehill’s very own Miss Taunton
- The Summit
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Maddie Darmstadt
Pageants mean more to Sophia Thomas than just crowns and titles after being named the 71st Miss Taunton on November 2 at the Benjamin A. Friedman Middle School.
Thomas, Stonehill class of ’26, credits her confidence and ability to use her voice to pageantry.
“They’ve taught me resilience, grace, and the importance of believing in myself even after setbacks,” Thomas said.
Her hard work and persistence are evident as she competed in the Miss Taunton two years prior to her winning.
When her name was called as this years Miss Taunton, Thomas said she broke down crying.
“In that moment, it felt so surreal, like I was living inside a dream I never wanted to wake up from,” she said.
To prepare for the competition, Thomas committed to physical training, mental preparation, and working with pageant coaches. The hard work and late nights of preparation were all worth it to Thomas.
“Every ounce of effort, every moment of doubt, and every challenge along the way has been worth it. It’s proof that when you believe in yourself and give it everything you have, your dreams can truly become reality,” she said.
Now that Thomas has a title, she also has responsibilities in her community and the city of Taunton. Thomas said the year ahead will be one of “service, growth, and purpose.”
Thomas’ community service initiative is Mindful Messaging, Boys & Girls Club. Their mission is to “nurture strong minds, healthy bodies and community spirit through youth-driven, high-impact programming in safe and fun environments,” according to their website.
“I am truly excited to dedicate myself to making a positive impact,” said Thomas, and “to inspire others and give back to the city that has given me so much.”
As Miss Taunton, Thomas will now prepare to compete in the upcoming Miss Massachusetts Pageant. She considers this opportunity an honor and voiced her excitement.
She hopes to show younger generations that believing in yourself if powerful and important.
Thomas remembers being a little girl walking past a store windows of the shop New York Lace.
“I remember holding my dad’s hand and pointing to the dresses in the window, dreaming about the day I might wear one. A few years later, I saw Ashley Chaves, Miss Taunton 2013, walking through the city with her crown, and I remember thinking, that’s who I want to be one day,” she said.
Thomas knew what her dream was and was able to accomplish it.
“Here I am,” said Thomas, “proof that with hard work, kindness, and perseverance, anything is possible.”
This is exactly the message that Thomas hopes to spread throughout this year and her time competing in Miss Massachusetts.
“Never stop believing in yourself, no matter how bug your dreams may seem,” said Thomas, “always stay true to who you are. Lead with your heart and remember that every ‘no’ just brings you closer to your ‘yes’.”