By Kevin Hendricks
The Town of Mountainair is preparing for a big celebration on March 29 at the Dr. Saul Community Center. The annual Hall of Excellence event will honor distinguished citizens and the beloved Pinto Bean Queen competition will crown its 2025 winner.
Mayor Peter Nieto announced the 2025 Hall of Excellence inductees earlier this month. This year’s honorees include Eugene “Gene” Schmitz, William “Tommy” Eschberger, James “Jimmy” Sullenger, Ernest Rubi, Patrick “Pat” Lucero, Ramona “Monie” Torres Dew, Erineo “Eddie” & Amalia “Mollie” Padilla, and Larry Gustin. The late Lionel and Edith Miranda will also be inducted, and their daughter Roberta will accept the award.
“These individuals have each made extraordinary contributions to our community, and this ceremony will celebrate their hard work, dedication, and lasting impact on Mountainair,” Nieto said.
The Pinto Bean Queen competition, a tradition dating back to 1941, will also take place. Dorothy Anne Shockey was the very first to hold the title. According to the Town of Mountainair, several queens were crowned throughout the 1940s, and the competition was revived in 2023. That year, the honor went to Aaliyah Lopez, a junior at Mountainair High School.
This year, on the 84th anniversary of that inaugural competition, a new Pinto Bean Queen will be crowned. The competition is open to individuals of all ages residing within the Mountainair Public School District.
Voting for the Pinto Bean Queen will be held in person at the Dr. Saul Community Center until 7 p.m. The crowning ceremony will occur around 10 p.m. during a dance featuring music from Nathaniel Krantz. Interested contestants can sign up at https://form.jotform.com/250425143096048.
“This special event promises to be a memorable occasion, filled with recognition, gratitude, and celebration,” Nieto said. “We invite all of you to join us in honoring these outstanding individuals for their achievements and to reflect on the collective spirit that makes Mountainair such a unique and vibrant place.”