As the curtains close on her year as Miss Minden, Maison Clair Wilbanks reflects on a reign filled with connection, community service, and inspiration. On January 18, Wilbanks will pass the crown to the 2025 Miss Minden during the annual pageant at the Minden High School auditorium, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and positivity.
A native of DeRidder, Louisiana, Wilbanks graduated from DeRidder High School in 2022. She is currently a junior at Northwestern State University, where she is double majoring in psychology and addiction studies. A dedicated athlete, she is a three-year member of the Northwestern State University Lady Demon Track and Field team. Outside of her academic and athletic pursuits, she is focused on recovery following an ACL and meniscus repair and is determined to complete her undergraduate degree in 2026 before pursuing a master’s degree at Northwestern and a doctoral degree at LSU.
Reflecting on her reign, Wilbanks says the most rewarding part was building connections within the Minden community. “Not being from Minden, I was nervous about not knowing anyone, but the community welcomed me with open arms,” she said. One particularly memorable moment was participating in the Broken Bean Freedom Walk event, where she assisted with face painting. “The joy on the little girls’ faces and their laughter warmed my heart more than anything I’ve experienced,” she shared.
Through her platform, Mentally Fit, Wilbanks made a lasting contribution to Minden. She hosted a journaling workshop that offered practical techniques for effective journaling and prayer journaling, leaving participants with tools to improve their mental well-being. “The feedback I received was so positive, and I’m blessed to have left an impact on those women’s lives,” she said.
Among her proudest moments was taking part in Minden’s St. Jude weekend, an event that exceeded her expectations. “It was amazing to help fundraise and contribute to the cause. It’s by far one of my favorite events I’ve been a part of this year,” she said.
As she prepares to pass the torch, Wilbanks has advice for her successor: “Make the absolute best of it. This title is not just a crown; it is a platform to make a difference. Embrace every moment and stay true to yourself.”
Wilbanks hopes her legacy inspires others to overcome challenges and turn adversity into opportunity. After undergoing surgery, she competed at Miss Louisiana just eight weeks post-operation, wearing a leg brace and flats. “I received a flood of messages from girls and young women inspired by me stepping on stage. It was heartwarming knowing that I was making an impact on their lives,” she said.
As Maison Wilbanks prepares for the next chapter, her message to the Minden community and future Miss Minden winners is clear: resilience and authenticity can light the path to meaningful impact.
