Contestants network, share nerves, goals

Staff Writer

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Miss New Mexico contestants described mixed emotions Wednesday morning as they began the interview portion of their pageant, one of several individual competitive categories.

“I’m pretty nervous, but mostly excited,” said Miss Las Cruces, Cydnee Plant. “ I just love to perform.”

Plant said she has prepared for the interview portion of the pageant by researching thoroughly.

“I mostly just researched my individual platform, so if they ask me (something), I have informed answers and not just my opinion,” Plant said.

The pageant provides the contestants with an opportunity to “network and meet new people,” Plant said.

Miss Ruidoso Diana Gallegos said an active background in student organizations at Eastern New Mexico University has helped develop public speaking skills she planned to use during the interview portion of the pageant.

Gallegos said her desire to participate comes from a need to challenge herself as much as possible.

“I want to experience everything I can, while I can,” said Gallegos. “The pageantry stops at 24 — right now I’m 22 — so I want to take all the opportunities I can while I’m still young.”

“I think I was most nervous for interviews,” said Miss Corrales Ashley Fresquez. “Now I’m excited for all the on stage stuff.”

Fresquez said she practiced mock interviews and her dance routine for the talent portion of the pageant.

“I’ve worked really hard over the past six weeks preparing for this,” said Miss Hobbs Madeline Woody. “I know that no matter what the outcome, I’ve given it my best.”

Woody, a dancer of 15 years, said she looks forward to returning home and being a role model for her young dance students.

“I’m doing it for the adventure and for the experience,” said Miss Eastern New Mexico Alexa Vigil. “I feel that this interview will prepare me for job interviews and presentations.”

Some contestants said they have trained extensively for other competitive categories.

“I have been practicing my dance performance since I earned my title as Miss Blackwater Draw,” Kelsey Prince said.

Exercising and fitness have “became a lifestyle” according to Miss Bernalillo County Gabrielle Torres.

Torres said her platform of “fighting youth obesity” and experiencing the challenges of being overweight at a young age have motivated her to maintain the healthy habits.

“The nerves seem to subside each year, because at the end of the day there’s only going to be one girl that’s going to win,” Torres said. “If you come in with the attitude of having fun, meeting new friends and building relationships then you’re going to be a winner no matter what.”