Miss New Mexico contestants hit the town

link Staff photo: Joshua Lucero

Miss New Mexico Pageant contestant Brandi Holcomb, representing Otero County, walks with Miss Teen New Mexico contestants as they go door to door downtown as part of a meet and greet event.

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Miss New Mexico contestants visited local businesses in downtown Portales during a meet-and-greet on Tuesday afternoon, inviting owners and sharing details about their event.

“It has been really exciting and a little surreal,” said Miss Blackwater Draw, Kelsey Prince. “To say that I’m participating in something of this caliber, with so many women, it’s very humbling.

“I like getting to know all of these unique and beautiful women from all over the state.”

Prince said she looks forward to performing for her family and friends and the opportunity for personal growth. She plans a contemporary dance to Christina Perri’s “Human.”

Prince, a youth director for First United Methodist Church while attending Eastern New Mexico University, said she has danced since she was a young girl.

“I’ve become a more confident woman,” said Miss Otero County Brandi Holcomb. “The growth I’ve seen in myself is amazing.”

Holcomb has adopted a platform of ending domestic violence through education because, as a victim of domestic violence, she hopes to help others find the assistance they need.

Holcomb said she graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelors degree in family consumer sciences, and currently works as an educator.

“I’m a country vocalist,” said Holcomb. “I’ll be performing ‘Something in the Water’ by Carrie Underwood.”

“It’s not about competing against other girls,” said Miss Land of Enchantment Morgan Kennedy. “It’s about competing against yourself.”

Kennedy said the pageant experience is “very empowering” and has provided her with an opportunity to meet new people.

“My platform is living without labels,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy said her platform encourages people to live life according to what makes them happiest.

Miss Portales, Jessica Baird, said she has lived in Portales for seven years and currently attends Eastern New Mexico University.

“I look forward to meeting all the girls,” said Baird. “I will also be performing a jazz (dance) piece called ‘I Lived’ by One Republic.”

Baird said this is her first year participating in pageants.