Miss Hampton Beach 2022 crowned: Hannah Ritchie of Seabrook wins title

Karen Dandurant, Portsmouth Herald
·2 min read

HAMPTON — There was a lot of beauty and grace on the Seashell Stage in Hampton Sunday, making the judges' job difficult. At contest's end, the crown and title of Miss Hampton Beach went to Hannah Ritchie of Seabrook.

Ritchie became the 76th Miss Hampton Beach. The 18-year-old Ritchie was sponsored in the pageant by the owners and staff of The Galley Hatch restaurant in Hampton.

Junior Miss Hampton Beach Riley Harlow, Miss Hampton Beach 2022 Hannah Ritchie and Little Miss Hampton Beach Ella Kate Woods jump in celebration on the sand.
Junior Miss Hampton Beach Riley Harlow, Miss Hampton Beach 2022 Hannah Ritchie and Little Miss Hampton Beach Ella Kate Woods jump in celebration on the sand.

"I am not sure if they are here, but I work there 24/7 so I guess they will know soon enough," said Ritchie, who entered the pageant for the first time. "I was so shocked that I won. It was crazy and so exciting. I can't wait to start attending events. The first will be the Yankee Homecoming Parade and I love that."

A recent graduate of Winnacunnet High School, Ritchie heads to the University of New Hampshire in the fall to study business and marketing.

Hannah Ritchie, 18, of Seabrook, competes in the 76th Miss Hampton Beach Pageant on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Hampton Beach.
Hannah Ritchie, 18, of Seabrook, competes in the 76th Miss Hampton Beach Pageant on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Hampton Beach.

Lauren Brophy, Miss Hampton Beach 2021, crowned Ritchie and said farewell to her reign.

"I loved this past year and all the events I got to attend here," said Brophy. "My advice to the next queen is to say that this goes by really quickly, so embrace all of it."

Sixteen candidates from New Hampshire and Massachusetts competed this year, ranging in age from 16 to 23.

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Contestants competed in swimsuit and evening gown competitions. Five finalists were selected to move on to the on-stage interview. Judging was based on appearance, poise and personality, and the winner received $500.

Another first-time entry was Marayssa Raimondo, 17, of Dover. She came in as second runner-up.

Miss Hampton Beach second runner-up Marayssa Raimondo, with her parents Debbie and Mario Carltos.
Miss Hampton Beach second runner-up Marayssa Raimondo, with her parents Debbie and Mario Carltos.

"Actually, we entered her in a pageant when she was 3," said Debbie Carltos. "I don't think she really remembers that. We are very proud of her."

Her dad, Mario Carltos said his daughter's only goal Sunday was to have fun. He said she plans to enter the field of medicine after high school.

Miss Congeniality, the award voted on by the contestants, went to Jennaeve Pimental, 17, of Dracut, Mass.

The first runner-up was MacKenzie Jollie, 18, of Bridgewater, N.H.

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The pageant is organized each year by Stephanie Lussier, who reigned as Miss Hampton Beach in 1995.

"I love Hampton Beach and this community," said Lussier. "I love the pageant and the great start it gives to all these young women. This is a starting point for them to go on to do great things."

From left, fourth runner-up Olivia Buzzel, third runner-up Faith Brodi, Miss Hampton Beach 2022 Hannah Ritchie, first runner-up MacKenzie Jollie and second runner up Marayssa Raimondo. The 76th Miss Hampton Beach Pageant took place Sunday, July 31, 2022.
From left, fourth runner-up Olivia Buzzel, third runner-up Faith Brodi, Miss Hampton Beach 2022 Hannah Ritchie, first runner-up MacKenzie Jollie and second runner up Marayssa Raimondo. The 76th Miss Hampton Beach Pageant took place Sunday, July 31, 2022.

On Saturday, Riley Harlow, 12, was crowned Junior Miss Hampton Beach and Ella Kate Wood, 8, was named Little Miss Hampton Beach.

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This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Miss Hampton Beach 2022 crowned: Hannah Ritchie of Seabrook wins title