A 16-year-old from Haverhill, Massachusetts has been crowned the new Miss Hampton Beach. Christina DelRosso was the youngest of the 19 contestants, but her poise and cheerful self-confidence helped her win top spot in the 66th annual Miss Hampton Beach Pageant, held Sunday afternoon at the new Seashell Stage in Hampton Beach.

Contestants must be at least 16 and no older than 24 to compete. Christina, who just finished her junior year at Haverhill High School, celebrated her sweet sixteen on June 27.

Christina said she has always been a confident person. This quality helped her battle neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer, when she was just two years old. Now she is very involved in Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

“My experience with Relay for Life has really helped shape my character,” she said.

Contestants are judged in swimwear and evening gown during the pageant and in an interview with judges held the day before.

“I just tried to be myself and not sound rehearsed,” said DelRosso.

Kayla Layton, a Bedford resident and the outgoing Miss Hampton Beach 2011, crowned DelRosso with the help of the new Junior Miss Hampton Beach 2012 Emily Croteau and Little Miss Hampton Beach 2012 Maeve Hess.

In her official capacity, DelRosso will attend beach events like the Seafood Festival, the Easter Egg Hunt, and the Master Sand Sculpting Competition.

The first of many visits to Hampton Beach was when she was just two weeks old. According to her mother, Beth Ford DelRosso, Christina always loved the beach and ocean.

“She was the kind of kid who stayed in the water till her lips were purple,” she said.

DelRosso is working as a lifeguard in Haverhill this summer. English is her favorite subject in school. She plans a career as a broadcast journalist. She wants to compete in the National American Miss Pageant.

Meanwhile, a little celebration is in order. After the pageant she planned to stop at a favorite restaurant with her parents, Beth and Thomas, brother Danny, 14, and sister Julia, 10, who had come to the beach to cheer her on.

“We’re going out for a big pizza," said DelRosso. "And then cupcakes!”

Rebecca Scalera, of Manchester, was first runner-up. There was a tie for second place between Ali Barros, of Medway, Mass., and Brittany Dube, of Atkinson and Hampton. Aria Rich, of Dracut, was fourth runner-up and winner of the swimsuit portion of the contest. Lauren Small, of Seabrook, won Miss Congeniality.

Dance Vision Network performed during the show. This year’s host was Megan Cooley, Miss Hampton Beach 2010. Event organizer was Stephanie Lussier, Miss Hampton Beach 1995, who also performed a vocal solo “Call Me Maybe.”