 |
| 2026 Valley Ms. Mackenzie Hester |
|
| 2026 Mount Washington Valley Ms. Crowned
North Conway - Thirteen women took to the stage on Sunday, March 15th, helping to raise more than $14,000.00 for local non-profits. Presented by Mount Washington Valley Promotions, the collaborative fund-raising event was hosted by M&D Playhouse. Each woman was scored in Interview, Runway and Public Speaking by a panel of judges. In addition, each was asked to collect funds for her chosen non-profit, those figures also factoring into the final score.
At the end of the pageantry, Mackenzie Hester, representing Conway Area Humane Society, was crowned 2026 Valley Ms. and earned a donation of $500.00 in addition to the funds she raised from donations. Holly Reed represented Mount Washington Valley Youth STEM Expo, claiming the Runner-up position and $250 for her organization. In a message following the event, Hester said, “Thank you to everyone who supported me from near and far. I love you all and truly couldn’t have done it without your support. I am really looking forward to the next two years and can’t wait to get out there in my community."
The other contestants were Sandra Abbott - representing Kritter Ridge Equine, Kimberlee White Feather Altomare - representing Carroll County RSVP, Alexandra Bradford - representing M&D Playhouse, Leeanna Bushey - representing The S.A.F.E. Programs, Rebekah Bushey - representing Miss Mount Washington Valley Teen Scholarship Program, Kristen Corrigan - representing Rozzie May Animal Alliance, Amy DuFault - representing Friends of the Conway Public Library’s Odyssey of the Mind, Olivia Gallant - representing Mount Washington Valley Adult Day Center, Anna Hamlin - representing Starting Point, , Sofia Plourde - representing Way Station, and Kimberly Wakefield - representing Robert Frost Chartered Public School.
Reigning Mount Washington Valley Mr., Jordan Ahnquist, served as emcee of the event, with 2022 Mount Washington Valley Ms., Barbara Theriault passing the crown to the new queen. Entertainment was provided by Abigail McGrath, Enzi Moore, Aeris Swift, Harper Kozacka and Cheyenne Sheehan, as well as members of the cast of M&D playhouse’s “Women”. Local businesses donated “swag” items for all of the participants so everyone who participated, and their causes, were winners in the end.
Organizer and Valley Promotions Executive Director, Lisa DuFault, was pleased with the event, which highlighted 17 local organizations. “This is always such an amazing collaboration! Not only did these ladies represent their organizations well”, she stated, “they truly helped one another before and during the event, making new friends and wonderful connections”.
|