Although the title of Miss New Hampshire may sound overwhelming to some, Emily Hughes is adjusting to it very well.“This is my fifth year in the program, so I’ve had time to prepare for the responsibilities that come with the title,” Hughes said.

Hughes, 22, of Gilmanton, beat out 17 other local pageant winners from around New Hampshire. Throughout her five years as a contestant, Hughes has adjusted to her responsibilities and has had time to learn how to handle the pressures of being Miss New Hampshire.

She will graduate from the University of New Hampshire with a master’s degree in elementary education in just a couple of weeks, but her plans to seek a teaching job must be put aside for a while in order to prepare for the upcoming Miss America Pageant.