Megan Plaza, 15, of Londonderry, was recently named Miss America Teen. She is the first Londonderry resident to be named Miss New Hampshire Teen since 1989 and the first 15-year-old to win since 2005. Courtesy photo

LONDONDERRY – Earlier this month, Megan Plaza, a 15-year-old sophomore at Londonderry High School, was crowned Miss New Hampshire Teen following the state competition at Pinkerton Academy in Derry.

Plaza entered the competition already holding the title of Miss Capital Area’s Teen. She received a $5,000 scholarship and plans to continue her support for foster families through her nonprofit organization, The Suitcase Project.

During her time in the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program, Plaza has received $13,600 in scholarships.

In school, Plaza is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society and the Lancer Marching Band.

She is the first Londonderry resident to be named Miss New Hampshire Teen since 1989 and the first 15-year-old to win since 2005.

Xanthi Russell, 23, of Durham, was recently named Miss America New Hampshire. She is the first Durham resident to win the competition. Courtesy photo

Plaza will now advance to compete for the title of Miss America Teen later this year. Allie Nault of Gilford has been the only Granite Stater to win the national title with her victory coming in 2016.

In addition, Xanthi Russell, 23, of Durham, was crowned Miss New Hampshire. She is the first Durham resident to win the competition.

Russell entered the competition holding the title of Miss Lilac State. She received a $15,000 scholarship and plans to promote leadership development through Miss America Opportunity and the 4-H program.

Russell is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success at the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord. She will graduate later this month with an Associate’s degree in paralegal studies.

During her time in the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program, Russell has received $61,000 in scholarships.

She will now advance to compete in the Miss America competition. Should she win, Russell would be the first New Hampshire resident to be named Miss America.

“We are extremely proud of both of these exceptional young women,” said David Appleby, president and co-executive director of the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program. “These young women are smart, talented, and they provide inspiring volunteer service to their communities. We look forward to supporting them as they complete their year of service and go on to represent New Hampshire at the national competition.”