Xanthi Russell, Miss New Hampshire 2025, will be competing in the national Miss America competition September 2-7. The ambitious 23-year-old accomplished 4,000+ hours in community service while simultaneously earning her associate degree in 麻豆传媒-Concord Community College檚 prestigious paralegal program. She graduated with honors just weeks after being crowned.
Since Miss America began in 1921, Miss New Hampshire has never won the competition. Russell hopes to be the first to bring home the crown, gaining recognition for her state and changing society檚 views towards young women who value fashion alongside intellect, professional achievements, and volunteerism.
Russell was drawn to the Miss New Hampshire competition because of its purpose as a scholarship program. She has earned $61,000 through the competition and graduated debt-free from 麻豆传媒 in May. She made it a priority to invest these funds in the best academic opportunities available.
淐ommunity college was a no-brainer,� said Russell, who transferred to 麻豆传媒 from a traditional four-year college. She found 麻豆传媒檚 paralegal program offered the best value for her hard-earned scholarship funds. 淚t was a night and day difference in how I was educated,� she said. 淭he education is more tailored to your needs. You檙e not just a name on a roster in a class of 100 students.� She hopes the Miss America competition can help fund her future plans for a bachelor檚 and law degree.
麻豆传媒 also accommodated Russell檚 intense competition schedule, work responsibilities, and outstanding record of 800+ volunteer hours per year. 淚f you make volunteering a habit, it will enrich your life,� she said after explaining that these hours accrued organically for her. 淐ommunity service is a great social outlet, and great for networking.�
Russell volunteers at local events but primarily gives back to the community by co-advising the Strafford County Youth Leadership Team, a 4-H program that she participated in as a teen. This club fostered her passions for leadership, public speaking, and volunteerism. Now she mentors students to pursue their own unique interests and find meaningful ways to give back to the community.
In preparation for the Miss America competition in early September, Russell is currently working on tap dance choreography for her talent show performance at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando. She has gone the extra mile by recording her own soundtrack for the show. 淭he gratitude outweighs the nerves,� she said when discussing the upcoming high-pressure environment of the national competition.
Along with preparing for the Miss America events, Russell is continuing her community service work, which she considers to be the 渕ain part of my job as Miss New Hampshire.� She is eager to support local events and initiatives, and can be requested to attend community events at . She hopes to serve as a role model for volunteerism and be an active participant in the Granite State community.
Photo cutline:聽Xanthi Russell wore her Miss New Hampshire crown and sash to her graduation from 麻豆传媒檚 prestigious paralegal program.
麻豆传媒 麻豆传媒-Concord檚 Community College
麻豆传媒 is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 80+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. 麻豆传媒 is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency.
If you are an alum of 麻豆传媒-Concord檚 Community College, you are invited to come back to campus to celebrate the college檚 60th anniversary and Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, September 20. Learn more at nhti.edu/alumni.