Miss New Mexico crowned

link Staff photo: Joshua Lucero

Former Miss New Mexico Jessica Burson, right, crowns Miss New Mexico 2015 Marissa Livingston Saturday night during the final night of the Miss New Mexico Pageant at the Eastern New Mexico University theater.

After a week of early mornings, late nights, and tight schedules, a new Miss New Mexico has been crowned.

Judges crowned Miss Duke City, Marissa Livingston, as Miss New Mexico 2015 with 15-year-old Sasha Butcher of Albuquerque taking home the crown as Miss Outstanding Teen New Mexico 2015.

Miss Portales Outstanding Teen Amelia Legler was fourth runner-up.

The field of 23 Miss New Mexico and 18 Miss Outstanding Teen New Mexico hopefuls was narrowed to 10 finalists each Saturday night during the final night of the Miss New Mexico Pageant at the Eastern New Mexico University theater.

Both winners will go on to the Miss America pageant this fall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“I had no idea I was going to win,” Livingston said.

Livingston, a resident of Albuquerque, said she began working toward the Miss New Mexico crown more than two years ago and was happy that her hard work had paid off.

“It (the pageant) was a personal journey that I had to go through. I kept a positive attitude and didn’t compare myself to others and it paid off.

Livingston said she was thankful for the support she received from her family and friends during her journey.

Butcher, of Albuquerque, said she enjoyed the pageant because of the friends she made.

“It’s crazy to be the winner. I made so many good friends and I worked so hard and it paid off,” Butcher said.

Butcher said she looking forward to flying to Chicago with Livingston for a photo shoot following their wins.

Finalists on Saturday competed in evening wear, talent, fitness, and swimsuit finals.

The night was filled with special appearances from former Miss New Mexico winners and a performance by Mistress of Ceremonies Sharron Melton.

Judges also selected four runners-up for the Miss New Mexico and Miss New Mexico Outstanding Teen titles.

Miss New Mexico runners-up: fourth-runner up Miss Otero County Brandi Holcom, third runner-up Miss Corrales Ashley Fresquez, second runner-up Miss Bernalillo County Gabrielle Torres, and first runner-up Miss Rio Rancho Stephanie Chavez.

Miss New Mexico Outstanding Teen runners-up: fourth runner-up Legler, third runner-up Miss Otero County Misa Tran, second runner-up Miss Enchanted Forrest Raini O’Connor, and first runner-up Miss Route 66 Delaney Heileman.