My name is O’Brien Stromsodt, and I was born and raised in Middle River, Minnesota. I currently teach kindergarten at Viking Elementary, and I’ve truly loved every minute of it. Being able to guide and inspire young learners has been one of the greatest joys in my life. Long before I ever stepped on stage, I was drawn to the world of pageants. My mom was part of the Miss Middle River Committee, and I was always tagging along to events and preparations. I remember watching the young women compete and being completely in awe of them; their strength, their confidence, their dreams for the future. What I admired most was their commitment to supporting our small community. I knew, even then, that I wanted to be just like them. When I was finally old enough to compete, I did. And I lost. I was heartbroken. People often don’t see the countless hours of preparation that go into pageants; rehearsals, community service, interviews, talent practice, wardrobe planning. So when you don’t come out on top, it stings. But I came back the next year with a stronger sense of who I was and what I stood for, and I was honored to be crowned Miss Middle River 2016. That year changed everything for me. I was able to connect with people across all ages and backgrounds, share my story, and discover just how powerful your voice can be when you use it for something bigger than yourself. It was that experience that led me to continue within the Miss America Opportunity. Since then, I’ve held three titles, with Red River Valley being the most recent. Each title has brought its own unique experiences, but the heart of it all has remained the same: using my platform to make a lasting impact on the communities I love. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been my involvement with Pay It Forward Middle River, a nonprofit that started as a scholarship fund created by my mom and aunt. Today, it’s grown into a full-fledged community support organization. We provide scholarships and coordinate seasonal efforts like the mitten drive and the Sharing Tree projects in Roseau and Marshall Counties. I’ve had the honor of being the spokesperson for those projects, and I’m constantly inspired by the power of community when people come together with kindness and purpose. Throughout my pageant journey, I’ve encountered plenty of misconceptions. Some people think it’s all about the dress, the walk, the crown. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Preparing for a state pageant means working endlessly; not just on talent or interviews, but on becoming the most authentic version of yourself. It’s not about fitting into a mold. It’s about standing strong in who you are, and letting that shine on and off the stage. This entire experience, every step, every challenge, has been deeply rooted in the love and support of my hometown. If it weren’t for the people of Middle River believing in me, encouraging me, and reminding me of my worth; I wouldn’t be where I am today. My community has always been my foundation, and I carry them with me in everything I do. If there’s one message I want to leave behind, it’s this: it doesn’t matter where you come from. You can be from a town of 300 people and still dream big. Your background doesn’t define your ceiling. With determination, support, and heart, you are capable of doing absolutely anything. As I look ahead to the Miss Minnesota competition, I do so with immense gratitude. For my students. For my town. For the little girl who once watched from the sidelines, and for the woman who now stands proudly on the stage, not just for herself, but for every small-town dreamer out there. Miss Minnesota and Miss Minnesota's Teen Competition: June 18, 19 & 20, 2025 For all things Miss Minnesota: Website: https://www.missminnesota.org/ Facebook: Miss Minnesota Scolarship Organziation
