On a Saturday night bursting with glitz and glam, sophomore Megan Plaza captured the spotlight as she was crowned Miss New Hampshire’s Teen 2025 at the state pageant held in Derry. Plaza’s stunning performance and authentic vibe left the judges and crowd wanting more.

Now set to take on the national stage, Plaza is prepared to bring her unique flair and New Hampshire pride along with her. Her grace and talent wowed the judges, earning her the prestigious Miss New Hampshire Teen title and the opportunity to represent New Hampshire. 

Plaza knew she wanted to enter the  Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program from a very young age. She was inspired to push herself to achieve something bigger than she could have ever imagined.

“I entered pageants because I saw a vision of the young woman I wanted to be, and I have become her this year,” Plaza said. 

After years of competing and holding various titles, including Miss Goffstown’s Teen, Miss Stratham’s Teen, and Miss Capital Area’s Teen, Plaza has gained experience in all pageant categories. This year, she scored very high results, including placing first in the talent category. Staying focused and grounded is a key element to reaching proficiency when competing in this scholarship program.

“This year, I was calm,” Plaza said. “I was elated to win overall vocalist because I walked off the stage proud of my performance.”

While holding the title of Miss Capital Area’s Teen this year, Plaza created “The Suitcase Project,” where she has been able to donate bags for foster children.

 The Suitcase Project has grown in NH and MA, bringing in support for foster children, and is hoping to eventually move on to other states. The Suitcase Project “is dedicated to restoring foster children’s dignity and self-worth by providing them with proper luggage. Plaza “can’t wait to expand it further as Miss New Hampshire’s Teen 2025.”

“A memorable moment was when I received the Teens in Action award for the second year in a row for the work I did for The Suitcase Project,” Plaza said.  “In the past seven months, I have distributed over 800 suitcases and duffels to group homes, domestic violence centers, local police cruisers, and youth homeless shelters.”

Even though Plaza has just been crowned Miss New Hampshire’s Teen, her plans to make a change are nowhere near finished. According to Plaza, her future planning includes “fun fundraisers for the American Heart Association and The Suitcase Project.”

To date, Plaza has spearheaded multiple fundraisers to support her non-profit, The Suitcase Project.  Whether it’s going “Over the Edge” and calendar raffles to the 1st Annual Spring Floral Workshop, Plaza’s determination and dedication to raising needed funds is inspiring.  Recently, she partnered with the Londonderry and Hooksett Police Departments, providing bags for children in immediate crisis.

What’s next? Plaza plans to make sure she keeps all of her acts at a prestigious level, as she is going to represent New Hampshire at the Miss America Teen competition. Plaza is going to continue reaching above and beyond with the support of her loved ones, working every day to perfect her skills.

“This summer, I will be doing mock interviews and working with Bill Wolfe and Bernie Choiniere to perfect my talent so I can put my best foot forward on the Miss America Teen stage as New Hampshire’s representative,” Plaza said. 

Not only is the Miss New Hampshire program preparing young adults for the future, but it also helps the girls create long-lasting friendships that they will value forever. Plaza has made lifelong friendships through these programs.

“I was next to Emma P. and my friend Chloe H. Chloe is one of my closest friends, and I was very thankful to be up there with her for Teens in Action, but also Top Five,” Plaza said. “We started three years ago together; I couldn’t imagine it without her.”