From St. Mary’s County To The State Stage: Maria Derisavi Reflects On Historic Year As Miss Maryland

ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — When Maria Derisavi was crowned Miss Maryland in June 2025, she made history as the first Iranian-American woman to earn the title and the first contestant from St. Mary’s County to wear the crown. One year later, as her reign comes to a close, the Southern Maryland native is reflecting on a year that took her across the state, connected her with thousands of Marylanders and brought her back home in unforgettable ways.

“Today is my last day as Miss Maryland,” Derisavi wrote in a social media post June 27. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the people I have had the joy of meeting and the places I have had the privilege of visiting through serving in this role.”

For residents of St. Mary’s County, Derisavi’s victory represented more than a pageant milestone. It marked the first time a local contestant captured Maryland’s highest title, bringing statewide attention to a county that had never before produced a Miss Maryland winner.

A Historic Year Of Service

Over the course of 372 days as the 90th Miss Maryland, Derisavi traveled more than 20,000 miles throughout the state, appearing at schools, community celebrations, parades, civic events and organizations.

“The past 372 days as the 90th Miss Maryland have taken me to every corner of this state—from the Appalachian Mountains in the West, to the shores of the Atlantic in the East, to the skies above the Chesapeake Bay—with over 20,000 miles traveled, countless engagements and appearances, and thousands of Marylanders reached,” she wrote.

Throughout her reign, Derisavi focused much of her service on her “Seize Your Opportunities” initiative, encouraging students to pursue their goals and persevere through challenges. Her school visits reached thousands of young people across Maryland.

“It’s been an honor to represent this state as the first Iranian-American Miss Maryland and the first from St. Mary’s County,” Derisavi wrote.

She added that the memories made while serving Maryland will remain with her long after she passes on the crown.

“Whether through speaking to thousands of students about goal setting and perseverance through SeizeYourOpportunities school visits, joining community groups in their celebrations and events, participating in state traditions, waving in parades, or simply having conversations with Marylanders I met along the way, the memories I’ve made through serving as the 90th Miss Maryland are ones I will cherish for life.”

Representing St. Mary’s County

Although her duties carried her to every corner of Maryland, Derisavi remained closely connected to her Southern Maryland roots.

A native of St. Mary’s County, she frequently returned home throughout her reign and served as an ambassador not only for the state but also for the community that helped shape her.

Her historic win resonated throughout the county, inspiring young women and demonstrating that a contestant from Southern Maryland could achieve success on the statewide stage.

Derisavi’s reign also carried additional significance as the first Iranian-American Miss Maryland, making her election a milestone for representation within the organization and across the state.

A Flight Above Home

One of the final highlights of Derisavi’s year came during the recent NAS Patuxent River Air Show, when she was invited to fly with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

For the St. Mary’s County native, the experience offered a unique opportunity to view her home region from thousands of feet above the Chesapeake Bay.

“U.S. Navy Blue Angels, thank you for the experience of a lifetime,” Derisavi wrote after the flight. “There’s no better way to see Maryland than from the backseat of a Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet! Pulling 7 Gs and flying a loop over the Patuxent River made for an unforgettable experience!”

The flight came during the NAS Patuxent River Air Show, one of the region’s largest events, and provided a fitting conclusion to a year spent representing Maryland from the mountains of Western Maryland to the shores of the Eastern Shore.

Looking Ahead

As Maryland prepares to crown its next Miss Maryland, Derisavi says the relationships she built and the experiences she shared during her year of service will remain her greatest accomplishment.

“I am most grateful to every organization and individual who invited me to spend time with your communities, as my experience representing Maryland was most significantly shaped by the time I spent with you,” she wrote.

For St. Mary’s County, Derisavi leaves behind a lasting legacy — not only as the county’s first Miss Maryland, but as a representative who carried her hometown pride throughout the state and returned home with memories that will last a lifetime.

Related Articles: Maria Derisavi Crowned Miss Maryland 2025, First Iranian-American And First Winner From St. Mary’s County

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