Emily Spencer, 24, of Bedford, will compete for the title of Miss America next month in Orlando, Fla. Courtesy photo/Tim Avery Photography

BEDFORD – At 24 years old, Emily Spencer of Bedford has the chance to make history as she travels to Orlando, Fla. next month to represent New Hampshire at the Miss America competition.

No one from New Hampshire has been awarded the title of Miss America since the competition began in 1921. Over the years, Marian Bergeron of West Haven, Conn. has been the only victorious New England participant, winning the competition in 1933.

In 2023, Spencer was named Miss Winnipesaukee before being crowned Miss New Hampshire earlier this year and receiving a $20,000 scholarship. During the state competition, she received awards for Overall Talent, Preliminary Evening Wear and Sisterhood.

“I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to hold the title of Miss New Hampshire 2024. This program has played an integral role in my life for the past eight years. Throughout this time, I’ve passionately advocated for inclusion, facilitated initiatives for positive change, formed meaningful connections and cultivated my leadership skills,” said Spencer. “From founding my own nonprofit organization to raising scholarship funds for young women with disabilities through an adaptive pageant, this program has truly shaped me into the person I am today. Through the generous support of this organization, I’ve been able to earn nearly $70,000 towards my education.”

After joining the Miss New Hampshire program in 2016, it only took Spencer one year to earn her first title, being named Miss Bedford’s Outstanding Teen. She was also named Miss Bedford in 2019 and Miss Greater Nashua in 2022.

Last year, Spencer graduated summa cum laude from Point Park University in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in ballet and modern dance. According to Point Park’s website, students must have a grade point average of at least 3.9 to be eligible for summa cum laude. She is now focused on pursuing a doctoral degree in physical therapy and working with competitive athletes.

Spencer is currently a professional dancer and choreographer at NSquared Contemporary Dance Company in Manchester.