Lily Belle McDowell has been on stage many times before, but the Leonardtown High School student is preparing to step onto arguably her biggest stage yet.
After being selected as a Maryland state finalist, McDowell will compete with the title Miss Leonardtown Teen USA in the Miss Maryland Teen USA competition, which will be held May 31 to June 1 at the Bethesda North Marriott in Bethesda.
“I’ve always had an interest in being on stage and performing and I saw this opportunity,” McDowell, who is a junior, said. “I figured I’m getting older; I’m almost out of high school; and I’ve always wanted to try this. It just really speaks to me. And I love all the dresses, too, so that’s a lot of fun.”
She will compete in honor of her grandfather, Bob Richardson, who was a prominent figure in St. Mary’s County Babe Ruth Little League and the county’s recreation and parks department who died earlier this year.
Because of the various clubs and activities she is involved in, McDowell is no stranger to being on stage. As a 5-year-old she won a cute baby contest at the St. Mary’s County Fair.
For the upcoming state competition, she’s planning on wearing a dark green formal gown that is “prominent and catches the eye.” She also will wear a fitness outfit, business suit and a traditional pink cocktail dress to match her fellow competitors.
“I feel I interact well with adults, and I feel I can talk to the judges well,” said McDowell, who added she hopes her genuine personality and her “contagious smile” will help her stand out with the judges.
She has been practicing answering sample questions with her mother.
“The big thing is just be yourself and showcase your personality,” she said.
The 17-year-old has been her class president for the past three years, a treasurer with the National Honors Society, secretary of the Key Club, a member of the SGA and a member of the Potomac Voices, Leonardtown High’s chamber choir. She plays forward for the varsity field hockey team.
“All the more power to her,” said Leonardtown High School media specialist Brenda Hager, who also teaches McDowell journalism. “She is a bright beaming light to every room she enters. She is a refreshing, positive energy to our student body. The best word to describe Lily Belle is her kindness; it just overflows. She’s something special.”
In 2023 she was awarded the Relentless for a Cure award by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Fly4ACure for her fundraising efforts, and this year as a team leader, she helped raise $88,000, good for first runner-up in the state.
“I’m really excited to go there for the experience, to meet new people and to learn from them as well,” she said. “I honestly would love to win the whole thing. I feel like that would be amazing, and I’d enjoy that.”
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