Miss New Hampshire, Miss New Hampshire Teen crowned at weekend competition

Miss New Hampshire Lauren Plank and Miss New Hampshire's Teen Kendall Laroche (Courtesy photo)

DERRY - Two lucky young women achieved their dreams of being crowned Miss New Hampshire and Miss New Hampshire's Teen at the state competitions held last weekend at Pinkerton Academy's Stockbridge Theatre in Derry.

As new state titleholders, both young women will go on to compete at the national Miss America and Miss America's Teen competitions later this year.

Lauren Plank, 21, was crowned Miss New Hampshire 2026, competing against 23 other young women ages 18 - 28 from across the Granite State for the coveted title. She will serve as the 80th Miss New Hampshire. She was awarded a $15,000 scholarship and starts her year of service during which she will promote community service among young people. Lauren performed a jazz dance during the talent portion of the competition and entered the competition holding the local title of Miss Bedford. A junior at the University of New Hampshire, she is an aspiring elementary school teacher.

Kendall Laroche, 15, was crowned Miss New Hampshire's Teen 2026, competing against 21 other young women ages 14 - 18 from across the Granite State. She was awarded a $5,000 scholarship and starts her year of service during which she will continue to promote breast cancer awareness. Kendall performed a lyrical dance during the talent portion of the competition and entered the competition holding the local title of Miss Capital Area's Teen. She is a sophomore at Trinity High School where she is on the honor roll.

"We are incredibly proud of these outstanding young women," said David Appleby, President and Co-Executive Director of the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program. "They exemplify intelligence, talent, and a deep commitment to serving their communities. We are excited to support them throughout their year of service and as they go on to represent New Hampshire on the national stage."

The Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program awarded $100,000 in cash scholarships to young women at the state competitions held this past week. These young women exemplify "Style, Service, Scholarship and Success", which represent the "four points" of the Miss America crown. The young women who compete in the program contribute many hours of community service and raise funds for philanthropic partners that work to address important causes each young woman cares about.