AUBURN — It’s strange how things work out sometimes .

Amanda Shute was simply looking for a way to help others and to become more connected to the community. The result of that search was that she became the first woman from Auburn in 40 years to be named Mrs. Maine America.

Mrs. Maine America 2023 Amanda Shute of Auburn, left, stands with Mrs. Maine America 2022 Elena Mikuzis. mrsmaine.net photo

Shute, 36, placed as the top candidate in all categories and received special recognition for her dedication to community service — last summer, Shute launched a nonprofit called Get Cyber Fit, which helps children and families have safer online experiences.

The Mrs. Maine America pageant, dating back to 1977, is specifically for women who are married. Shute’s husband, Andrew Shute, is an 11-year-veteran of the Auburn Police Department.

“We’re very proud to have Amanda as part of our Auburn PD family!” the department wrote on its Facebook page. “We are especially proud of her efforts to help families navigate cybersafety. Making internet usage safer for kids is critically important and we commend Mrs. Maine America’s work on this topic.”

Shute is a fraud and financial crimes professional who sees the devastating financial and emotional effects online crimes can have on families.

“We talk about the importance of online safety but many parents don’t know how to open the dialogue with their children, or where to even start,” shute said. “My message is focused on bridging the gap between parents and their children so they can have safer online experiences by equipping parents and educators with the necessary tools to have open and honest conversations about children’s online behaviors. My message to children is creating awareness of their digital footprint and how that carries with you for the rest of your life.”

She also helps in various ways with the fight against cancer.

Before she was crowned Mrs. Maine America on April 2, Shute held the title of “Mrs. Auburn Maine.” She will compete for the national title of Miss America in August.

Shute sees the finals and yet another opportunity to help others.

“I have the mindset of being open to new experiences, meeting other accomplished women across the nation and partnering with businesses where our core values align,” she said. “My motivation going into Nationals is the mission of bridging the gap between parents and children online safety, being on stage is a way I can celebrate the success of my community impact.”

The bottom line, Shute said, is that all of this is a chance to pay success forward and to encourage others to do the same.

“I hope to inspire other people who have talents or skills to help those around them,” she said. “The ways that people can support the people and communities around them looks a little different for everyone so it’s about stepping up and stepping in when and where you can to make a difference.”

The Mrs. Maine and Miss Maine for America pageants have been around for nearly 50 years.

“The Mrs. America pageant has been an important part of celebrating women and their accomplishments for many years and this year is Mrs. America’s 47th anniversary,” according to Meghan Gray, director of the Hallowell-based group. “The state of Maine first crowned their Mrs. Maine America in 1977.”

The competition has three phases: an interview with the judges and swimsuit and evening gown portions. The interview counts for 50% of the total score, according to the spokesperson, with the evening gown and swimsuit making up the other half.

In 2019, the system introduced the Miss Maine for America Strong title and the following year in 2020 the Mrs. Maine AmeriCAN title which is awarded to the first runner-up in the Mrs. category. This allows two additional women from Maine to compete on a national stage.

Finals will be held at the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas, Aug. 24-26.