Miss New Mexico U.S. crowned

Staff report

link Courtesy photo

Christy Waite, former ENMU student, wins Miss New Mexico United States 2015 at pageant in Albuquerque Sunday.

Former Eastern New Mexico University student Christy Waite took the crown for Miss New Mexico United States 2015 last Sunday at the Sandia Resort and Casino in Albuquerque.

Waite competed against 10 other women in categories of interview, cocktail dress, swimwear, evening gown and a 30 second or less on-stage question.

Waite said her background in fitness competition gave her confidence, and the only time she was nervous was during the wait for the winner announcement.

“When they announced me as Miss New Mexico, I cried. I was so overwhelmed. Everything my mom and I have been through flashed through my head,” she said. “It was just one of those moments that you don’t want to end. It still hasn’t sunk in. It feels like a dream.”

Waite said the win means the world to her.

“Now my platform and beauty with purpose called ‘bestow a crown of beauty instead of ashes’ is expanding,” she said. “I have so many plans to make New Mexico a better place for people who are homeless, struggling with physical, mental, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse and drug addiction.”

Waite called the experience incredible and said she was inspired by her fellow competitors.

“Pageantry is a sisterhood, and I am so blessed to call each girl my friend,” she said. “These young women are more than pretty faces; they give back to the community and are positive role models.”

Waite, who was the current Miss Albuquerque United States, decided to compete in the Miss New Mexico United States pageant so that she could have a platform to help those in need in New Mexico.

“As a victim and advocate for child abuse and homelessness, I was deeply touched by the stories of the people I see at the shelter,” Waite said. “It made me realize that there are so many in need in our state, and I could relate to them on so many levels. My sash and crown give me the ability to be a message and an example for them.”

Waite graduated from ENMU in 2012 with a degree in communication and broadcast journalism. A job as a sports photographer and reporter took her to Albuquerque where she is now a kindergarten educator and working on her master’s in elementary education and special education.

“I have a learning disability and I love working with children who also have disabilities,” she said.“I created a mass donations drive at my school called “The Hunger Games” and it has raised over 3,000 items and 778,239 pounds of food.”

Waite will advance on to the Miss United States pageant in Washington and said she is feeling confident and honored to represent the beautiful state of New Mexico.