WHEREAS, Julia Gagnon, of Cumberland, put Maine on the national stage this spring as she rose through the ranks on “American Idol,” using her incredible voice and talent to become one of the final 7 contestants on the show; and

WHEREAS, Gagnon’s path to success has not come easy, and she has overcome bullying, shyness, and a fear of standing out; and

WHEREAS, as she found her voice in middle school, Gagnon’s talents became evident to all those around her who encouraged her to continue singing in school productions, talent shows and more; and

WHEREAS, after taking a break from singing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gagnon regained her passion in 2023 when she entered and won the “Central Maine Idol,” a competition based in Hallowell modeled after American Idol; and

WHEREAS, this year, during Gagnon’s incredible run throughout American Idol, she captivated Maine people and a worldwide audience with her emotional performances and her stunning voice; and

WHEREAS, Gagnon not only found success for herself on the show, she united Maine people of all backgrounds as we watched, posted supporting messages on social media, and texted our votes for her after each performance; and

WHEREAS, the people of Maine are fortunate to have such a positive, kind and talented role model as Julia Gagnon, and we look forward to seeing her performances in her “Here In Maine” tour starting Sunday, June 30 and her future career on the national stage;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim June 30, 2024 as

Julia Gagnon Day

in Maine, and we thank her for helping to bring more joy and positivity into the lives of Maine people this year.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twenty sixth day of June Two Thousand Twenty-Four