Miss Maryland Volunteer Sweetheart
A Shared Heart for Service
Since 1941, the National Sweetheart Pageant has long served as a respected training ground for young women pursuing excellence in pageantry. Established in Hoopeston, Illinois, the pageant evolved from a local festival tradition into a nationally recognized competition, welcoming contestants from across the United States.
In 2022, the National Sweetheart Pageant proudly partnered with the Miss Volunteer America Organization, expanding its commitment to service-driven leadership by inviting a runner-up from each state’s Miss Volunteer America competition to participate.
Through this partnership, each participating Miss Volunteer America state program sends its First Runner-Up to represent their state at the National Sweetheart Pageant, continuing a tradition of opportunity, leadership development, and service on a national stage.
The National Partnership between Miss Volunteer America and the National Sweetheart Pageant.
Miss Maryland Sweetheart, Bridget O’Brien:
Bridget O’Brien is currently serving as Miss Maryland Volunteer Sweetheart 2026. A two-time World Tap Champion and member of the USA Tap Team, she has performed on national television and held a principal role in Morgan State University’s production of Aida.
Bridget is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama and a President’s List honoree from 2020 to 2024. During her undergraduate career, she held several campus leadership positions, including Director of Choreography for the Homecoming Executive Board, Sigma Rho Chi during Panhellenic Recruitment, Vice President of the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, and Clerk for the University’s Student Judiciary. These roles supported her development in leadership, organization, and peer mentorship.
Professionally, Bridget serves as an associate to the senior executive suite at P2 Public Affairs and leads her statewide youth leadership initiative, Boomerang!, which has been presented in all 24 Maryland counties. She brings experience in performance, public speaking, and journalism, along with a background that includes work with the USA Tap Team, the Frederick Keys, and Chick-fil-A.
Forever Miss Maryland Volunteer Sweetheart Winners
2027
This Could Be YOU!
2026
Bridget O’Brien