Mass. teen crowned 2020 Miss Hampton Beach
HAMPTON – In the midst of a pandemic, the 2020 Miss Hampton Beach pageant went on, with 11 contestants.
This year’s winner was Anna-Marie Alukonis, 18, of Lynn, Mass., a graduate of Lynn Classical School, headed to Curry College in Milton, Mass., to study nursing.
“I am shocked, surprised and I feel great,” said Alukonis. “I started competing eight years ago in the Junior Miss Pageant. I have placed before but never won. I kept coming back for the experience, and for the fun.”
Alukonis was awarded her crown by the outgoing 2019 Miss Hampton Beach, Abby Sullivan. Sullivan advised her to not take anything for granted and to enjoy the year because it goes by quickly.
In the 74th annual Miss Hampton Beach pageant held Sunday, July 26, the first runner-up was Sophia Rose Litle, 20, also from Lynn, Mass. Second runner-up was Carly Liquori, 19, of Southwick, Mass. Third runner-up was Grace Adeline Paradis, 16, of Plaistow and the fourth runner-up was Leah Bridge, 19, of Northwood.
Miss Congeniality this year is Amber Page, 20, of Haverhill, Mass. Winning both Best Interview and Best Swimsuit was Alukonis.
Pageant Director Stephanie Lussier said they worked hard to make sure the pageant could happen safely. She said she worked with her team, with the Chamber, the State Parks and Rec, and the Hampton Beach Village District.”
“We were determined it would happen,” said Lussier. “We’re an outdoor event and we knew we could do it. We could not do it on the stage as in other years because of social distancing. Instead we are doing it here, on the side, and we have the whole beach for social distancing.”
The judges this year were Casey Anderson, owner of the Purple Urchin; Rebecca Whittle, reigning Mrs. New Hampshire; Holly Garcia, who placed in the top five of this pageant and competes regularly in other events; and Dena Prygodza, another past winner.
The host for the day was Kirstin Pesaresi, Miss Hampton Beach 2018.
The Little Miss and Junior Hampton Beach pageant was held on Saturday.
Riley LeFevre, 9, of Vermont was crowned Little Miss Hampton Beach.
“I want to be a role model,” said Riley. “I want to help Hampton Beach raise money for handicap access. My family comes from all over and we meet here all the time, and my brother Alex is in a wheelchair.”
Olivia Grace Scharr is Junior Miss Hampton Beach. On Sunday, she sang “Rumor Has It” by Adelle as part of the entertainment.
“I love the beach and I come here all the time with my mom,” said Olivia. “I thought why not try. I was Little Miss Hampton Beach in 2014.”
As in past years, entertainment was provided by Dance Visions Network dancers.
