MAINE CHERRY BLOSSOM DELEGATE - 2026

My name is Abbey Gifford and I am from Shapleigh, Maine. I graduated from Sanford High School in 2023, where I served as the varsity swim team captain and graduated fourth in my class. I am currently attending the University of Rhode Island as a double major in Geology & Geological Oceanography and Environmental Science and Management. At URI, I work as a Writing Consultant at the university’s Writing Center and serve as a Student Ambassador and Peer Mentor for the College of Environmental Life Sciences.

My academic achievements include being a consistent Dean’s List student and a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship and the Kevin B. Walsh Memorial Scholarship. Community service is a cornerstone of my life; I was honored to receive the US Presidential Award for Volunteering and have dedicated time to programs like Project Linus and Tale Time Reading. My interests are diverse, ranging from competitive fencing and modeling in NY Fashion Week to active participation in the URI Sailing and Horticulture clubs. In my free time, I love being outdoors—whether I am scuba diving, kayaking, or hiking—as well as crocheting and learning new languages. I have a deep passion for mentorship and civic engagement, and I am incredibly proud to represent my home state of Maine to the fullest.