For the talent phase of the competition, Percy performed a contemporary Ballet en Pointe to “America” from West Side Story.
The new Miss New Hampshire is no stranger to the organization. Percy has been actively involved in the Miss New Hampshire program for 11 years. She held the title of Miss New Hampshire’s Outstanding Teen in 2011 and mentioned on stage that, win or lose, she will always be a part of the organization.
“I’m majoring in higher education and I believe in everything this organization stands for,” she said. “I want to be an advocate for it, and an advocate for young women going to college, who are having a hard time getting there. Win, lose, or anything, I would still be here, supporting these women every single year.”
Percy will graduate from Columbia with her masters, and will be debt free, thanks to all she has earned in her time competing in the organization.
“I’ve met my soulmates,” she said, referring to all of the other young women she has met, when asked what she has personally gotten out of competing. “And a purpose. I really think that I’ve found my purpose in this organization.”
Having tried for the crown many times, Percy was first-runner up last year to Miss New Hampshire 2016, Caroline Carter. After her crowning, Percy said it felt “amazing,” and spoke about the perseverance it took.
“This is a dream job for me. When you do something you love, it just comes naturally,” she said. “For me, perseverance came with something I am passionate about.”
She added that what probably helped her win this year was that she “grew up.”
“I moved to New York City, to go to school. I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about other people and different cultures, and I’m excited to bring that to New Hampshire.”
The second crowned in the Miss America class of 2018, Percy said it may not sink in that she’ll be competing on the Miss America stage until she steps foot in Atlantic City this September.
“Probably not until I’m there,” she said.
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