BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A year ago, she stepped onto the stage with a dream. Today, she steps forward with a purpose — one shaped by service, faith, and the unexpected path that led her into pageantry.
Abby Martin, the 2025 AmeriFest Miss Ohio Novice Supreme, has spent the last year growing, serving, and finding her voice.
AmeriFest — one of nearly a dozen pageant systems that crown a “Miss Ohio” — is a faith-based organization with the motto “More than just,” symbolizing more than just a crown, more than just a title, and more than just a sash.
“It’s a real opportunity and a real chance to make a difference and to set an example to those younger or to teach little girls the importance of serving and giving back to our community,” Martin said.
To compete for AmeriFest’s Miss Ohio, contestants must either participate in virtual pageants held throughout the year or represent a title they previously held. Martin missed the virtual pageant deadlines and chose to pay homage to her hometown by representing her 2022 Bratwurst Festival Queen first runner-up title.
The state pageant, held every April, featured an evening gown competition, a three-minute interview with the judges, and optional categories including fitness wear, which Martin entered because of her love for fitness.
The pageant was scored on personality, interview, stage presence, and walk. Martin earned the title of Miss Ohio Novice Supremet.
“When I tried out, I didn’t think I’d get anything because I didn’t have a coach, I had no idea what went into it, but I definitely underestimated myself, and looking back, I wish I had told myself, ‘You can do hard things,’ and that God led me to it for a reason, and it ended up being a wonderful experience,” Martin said.
Beyond the stage, Martin’s year was defined by what she did off of it.
Throughout the year, Martin stayed deeply involved in her community — laying wreaths for veterans through Wreaths Across America, organizing chapstick collections for Nurses Week, and spotlighting local businesses, including Spots Rolling Bean in Crestline and Bucyrus, and Nickel & Bean in Lexington.
These projects aren’t just appearances for her; they’re personal. With two brothers who served in the military and her own path in nursing school, each cause reflects a piece of her heart and the values that shaped her year.
“I think God put me on this earth to make other people happy and to help others,” Martin said.
So how did she get into it?
During her senior year, she visited Nashville with her mother, Heather Martin, and photographer Reva Davis to take senior pictures in her prom dress from Darlafoxx Bridal and Formal in Cleveland — a trip that would unexpectedly change her future.
Heather then sent the photos to Darlene James, owner of Darlafoxx Bridal and Formal, and she asked Heather if Abby modeled.
Willing to try something new, Martin said yes — and unknowingly opened the door to something much bigger.
At one of the shows, Martin met Rachel Kleimeier and Ty Chenell, who encouraged her to run for AmeriFest’s Miss Ohio, and along with the support from a friend of hers, Emma Wasem, whom she’d met at previous pageants, she decided to try it out— and the rest is history.
“It has been a very fun experience and I’m glad that I branched out and went out of my comfort zone and did this because I proved to myself that I can do hard things, that sometimes you need to be a little uncomfortable to kind of open a new door and go where God’s leading you because it is not always going to be comfortable,” Martin said.
Throughout it all, Martin thanked her parents, Heather and Todd, for their support and for driving her everywhere and buying her food; her brothers Clay and Brody, sister-in-law Ashton, and boyfriend Gavon for theirs; and her Nana and Gramps, Larry, for paying for her hair and makeup at the pageant.
She also thanked Darlafoxx for sponsoring her evening gown; Ty Chenell, the AmeriFest Miss Ohio ambassador; Rachel Kleimeier and Emma Wasem for getting her started; Carrie Layne, the pageant director, for being a great director and friend; and everyone else who has supported her along the way.
“I think if someone were to do it, it’s a great chance to not only represent Ohio and the Great Lakes, but to also find the chance to find yourself, grow confidence in yourself, and prove that you can do hard things,” Martin said. “It’s not about the crown or the title, it’s about how you make the crown sparkle when you’re wearing it, and what you can do for others.”
As she looks ahead, Martin plans to keep doing what brought her here: serving others, stepping out of her comfort zone, and trusting where the next open door leads.
