When Brooke Riley was named Miss Hampton Beach last summer, it served as a springboard for success in other pageants. The 23-year-old has since been named Miss New England and is now preparing to compete in Florida this July for Miss USA Ambassador.

Brooke’s climb in the pageant world has not caused her to lose her love for the beach, though, and she said she will be sad to turn over her crown this July. The Lowell, Mass., native hopes to make the most of her last few months as one of Hampton Beach’s most celebrated figures.

“I wish I could be Miss Hampton Beach forever,” said Brooke while attending the Easter Egg Dig at Hampton Beach last Saturday. “I cannot believe how fast this year went by. I’m actually so sad that it’s ending.”

Brooke, who has spent many summers in Hampton with her family, had never won a major pageant before becoming Miss Hampton Beach on the Seashell Stage last July. She had previously taken second and third place in the pageant.

As Miss Hampton Beach, Brooke has appeared at numerous events with members of her royal court – Little Miss Hampton Beach and Junior Miss Hampton Beach – like the Children’s Festival, Seafood Festival and the Hampton Christmas Parade. She said it has been fun to interact with her fans while wearing her sash and crown. Many are little girls who want to become Miss Hampton Beach themselves someday.

“It almost feels like you’re a celebrity,” said Brooke. “Like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s Miss Hampton Beach!’ It’s the best when you see the little girls looking up at you, yelling at you, and it’s nice that we can be role models for them.”

A teacher who works with students with autism in the Lowell public school system, Brooke is passionate about helping those who are intellectually challenged. She was proud to appear at February’s Penguin Plunge, where about 1,000 people raised more than $600,000 for Special Olympics New Hampshire.

Sunday, she did Zumba for three hours straight to raise funds for the organization Autism Speaks. She was nervous about being able to dance for such a long stretch, but she ended up having a great time. She was also invited to an event called Autism Eats – a dinner in Boston for families who have members with autism.

If Brooke wins Miss USA Ambassador this summer, she will get to travel to numerous charity events around the country. The competition includes the swimsuit, fashionwear, interview and photogenic categories. She plans to focus on enjoying the experience and not worry about winning or losing.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m just going to enjoy it and be myself and meet the girls and just take it all in,” said Brooke. “Whatever happens happens.”

Other Hampton Beach beauty queens said they feel the same way about leaving behind their crown. Little Miss Hampton Beach Ashley Alukonis, 10, has also spent many summers with her family at the beach and now loves appearing alongside Brooke.

Bundled in a sweater, scarf and leather jacket at the Easter Egg Dig to protect her from the chilly wind, Brooke said she is looking forward to the weather warming up.

“Hopefully (there will be) some nice weather,” Brooke said. “I’d love to be on the beach in a nice pretty dress.”Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/long-formal-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-sydney