Faith wins the crown 

Gianna Romero was 18 when she first learned about a scholarship opportunity through Miss Maryland. She saw Miss Bel Air out in the community and was curious about the role. 

“She looked like she was having the best time,” said Romero, a parishioner of Church of the Holy Spirit in Joppa and a graduate of The John Carroll School in Bel Air. “As someone who loves service and opportunity, I thought, ‘I really want to do that, too.’ ” 

Romero competed to become Miss Bel Air and was named to the role in 2024. Then, in June, as she was preparing for her senior year at Stevenson University in Owings Mills, she was crowned Miss Maryland. She sees that position as both an honor and an opportunity. 

“I went into the competition of Miss Maryland saying whatever God’s plan is for me, I don’t have control over it,” Romero said. “I just want to have as much fun as possible. I am going to trust in that process and trust in that plan.” 

Trusting in God’s plan is a familiar approach for Romero, thanks to her Catholic education. She attended St. Clement Mary Hofbauer School in Rosedale from pre-K3 through second grade before attending St. Margaret School in Bel Air for six years. She graduated from John Carroll in 2023. 

That formation has shaped Romero’s platform and her approach as Miss Maryland. 

“In Catholic school, we always talk about the golden rule and treating everyone the way you want to be treated,” she said. “I think faith has really pushed me toward setting more goals that are going to make the community better.” 

During her senior year at John Carroll, her religion teacher provided domestic violence education that helped Romero realize she was in an abusive ­relationship. What she learned helped her get out of the relationship – and inspired the educational program that she’s created as Miss Maryland. Her plan is to bring that program, The Bloom Initiative: Building Healthy Relationships Through Education and Advocacy, to all 23 counties to help young people understand the value of healthy, respectful relationships. 

“She has always been a very genuine person, and her kindness and sincerity are real,” said Allison Hall, a member of the English faculty at John Carroll who remembers Romero as a member of her advisory group. “I let her know that we will watch her compete as Miss Maryland in the Miss America pageant in September.” 

While preparing for the Miss America competition in West Palm Beach in late August, Romero also continues to complete her degree at Stevenson University, where she is majoring in business communication with a minor in events planning. Her plan is to pursue a career in sports marketing and communication – which she launched as a social media intern at Calvert Hall College High School in Towson. 

“She’s definitely been able to drive our impressions and our follower numbers,” said Danielle Hladky, director of communications and marketing for Calvert Hall. “She is well beyond her years in terms of grace, poise and understanding.” 

Romero, who started gymnastics at age 2, switched to dance and baton twirling when she was 9. When she was younger, she would often wear a cross of rhinestones on her outfit to remind herself of her faith. When she was confirmed and chose St. Thérèse of Lisieux as her confirmation saint, her grandmother gave her a St. Thérèse pendant to wear. 

“I trust that I’m not going on this path alone,” Romero said.  

Why Maryland has her heart 

Just what does Miss Maryland love about the Free State? Here are five favorites: 

• Our Maryland flag 

• The boardwalk in Ocean City 

• Purple Fridays where we show our love for the Ravens 

• Having the nickname “America in Miniature” because of our geographical diversity 

• The kind and welcoming nature of Marylanders 

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