In her hometown of Anchorage, Alaska, Máire was a dual-enrolled student at Robert Service High School and Family Partnership Charter School where she was an active member in the Seminar School and German Club. During her sophomore year, Máire was home-schooled to allow her to hone her dance skills as well as attend German classes at a local university.

During her junior year, Máire moved to Dublin, Ireland for study abroad and to pursue her passion for competitive Irish dancing. In Ireland, she was an avid cross country runner and debater. Her evenings and weekends were spent perfecting her Irish dancing. While in Dublin, Máire was awarded the Girl of the Class Award, the School Spirit Award, and the Athlete Award. Senior year brought Máire back to Alaska with continued dual-enrollment to allow time to teach Irish dancing.  In addition to her dance pursuits, she was also the varsity track and field co-captain.

Along with being named top 40 in the world and top 10 in North America for Irish dancing, Máire was also featured in Riverdance's 20th Anniversary Celebration line of Irish dancers performed in Dublin, Ireland. Because of Irish dancing, she has traveled the world and appeared on international television to showcase her skill.

In addition to Irish dancing, cross country running and track, Máire loves mountain running, camping, reading, singing, and kayaking in her free time.

Winning more than $60,000 in cash scholarships and a gold medallion, Máire is the program's first national representative from Alaska and will serve as the national representative of Distinguished Young Women throughout the year. As a student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama majoring in pediatric nursing and minoring in German, Máire is on the pre-med track. She is one of nine siblings and looks forward to her new adventures as the Distinguished Young Woman of America.