Thanks to The Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Foundation for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.
When Westborough Police Officer Ashlyn Mercier won the title of Miss Massachusetts at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester on June 20, she made history as the first police officer to wear the state crown, and is positioned to continue making history as the first law enforcement officer to compete at the Miss America Competition later this summer, according to The Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Foundation, which announced the news.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be Miss Massachusetts,” said Ms. Mercier. “I cannot thank the judges enough for trusting me to step into this role. I have been involved with the Miss America opportunity for six years and it has truly shaped me into the woman I am. I am thrilled to represent my home state on the Miss America stage.”
Ms. Mercier holds an undergraduate degree in national security from the University of New Haven in Connecticut and earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University. She is the daughter of Kevin and Traci Mercier of Oxford and performed a contemporary lyrical dance for the talent phase of the competition. She is listed as a patrol officer in the staff directory of the Westborough Police Department.
Ms. Mercier’s Community Service Initiative is titled “Nick’s Courage: One Smile Goes a Mile”.
“This was created in honor of my younger brother, who is a two-time pediatric cancer survivor,” she said. “I hope to forge meaningful partnerships with organizations that share a similar mission to mine, which is to bring positivity and hope into the lives of children battling critical illnesses.”
In addition to promoting this cause, she will also work alongside the American Heart Association, championing the Go Red for Women initiative.
“Ashlyn was crowned from a field of incredible competitors,” said Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Foundation Executive Director Dolores Rabuffo. “Her heart for serving her community and passion for the organization is inspiring. Our entire board is looking forward to supporting her for the next year.”
Ms. Mercier won a $10,000 scholarship, along with a generous prize package, and will be competing to become Miss America in West Palm Beach, Florida, in late August. Miss America finals are scheduled for September 6, 2026.
It was just two years ago, in June 2024, when Westwood native and Westwood High School alum Kiersten Khoury was crowned Miss Massachusetts. Ms. Khoury passed on the crown in June 2025 to Khailah Griffin of Cambridge. Ms. Griffin, in turn, has passed the crown on this year to Ms. Mercier.
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