Press Release
On Saturday October 4th, two Greater New Bedford women were crowned as the next Miss New Bedford and Miss New Bedford’s Teen! A total of eighteen contestants competed across both competitions, with Deolinda Mendes ultimately earning the title as Miss New Bedford and Addison Kohler as Miss New Bedford’s Teen.
As the winner, Mendes earned a $3,500 college scholarship, plus an additional scholarship as the overall Interview Award recipient. Kohler received a $500 scholarship, and also received an additional scholarship as the overall Interview Award winner among the teen contestants.
-
- Deolinda Mendes is crowned Miss New Bedford by outgoing Miss New Bedford, Ashley Clark, at the competition on 10/4/25 at Greater NB Voc-Tech High School. Submitted photo by Miss New Bedford Scholarship Program.
Mendes, 22, is a senior at Rhode Island College pursuing her degree in Nursing. A native of New Bedford, her community service initiative is titled, “Next-Gen Navigators: Promoting the Power of Mentorship” which aims to connect more youth to positive role models. For her talent, Mendes performed an upbeat jazz dance. Mendes is the 72nd woman to hold the Miss New Bedford title.
-
- Addison Kohler is crowned Miss New Bedford’s Teen by outgoing Miss New Bedford’s Teen, Bree LeFavor, assisted by outgoing Miss NB, Ashley Clark (RIGHT), at the competition on 10/4/25 at Greater NB Voc-Tech High School. Submitted photo by Miss New Bedford Scholarship Program.
Kohler, 15 of Fairhaven, is a sophomore attending Connections Academy of Massachusetts (TECCA). Her community service initiative is titled, “Childhood First: Improving Pediatric Healthcare,” where she will continue to fundraise, connect with children in medical facilities, and advocate for improvements in how young patients are treated. For her talent, Kohler tap danced. She is now the 15th young woman to hold the teen title.
In addition to their year of service and impact, both young women will now represent New Bedford at the state competitions. The Miss New Bedford program is the longest running local preliminary to Miss America in the state of Massachusetts.
The competition also recognized runners-up and other prize winners, awarding over $7,000 in total college scholarships — educational support being a hallmark of the program.
To learn more or to get involved, visit www.missnewbedford.org. To follow along and support this year’s titleholders, search “Miss New Bedford” and “Miss New Bedford’s Teen” on Facebook and Instagram.
•••
Click here to download the 10/9/25 issue: 10-09-25 Manjiro
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
