Mrs. New Mexico International is a Granada High Graduate

LIVERMORE, CA: Granada High graduate Tamara Thornell was crowned Mrs. New Mexico International 2016 in March. Thornell, whose parents still live in Livermore, was known as Tamara Biermann when she lived in the Tri-Valley. Thornell currently lives in Hobbs, New Mexico with her husband and three children.

"I am excited to represent New Mexico in the Mrs. International Pageant in July in Jacksonville, Florida," Thornell told Patch. "The pageant will include an interview, evening gown and fitness wear competition. My platform is childhood literacy. I spend much of my time promoting the significance of childhood literacy and hosting book drives to get books into the homes of children."

Thornell, a University of California, Davis graduate, is a teacher and mother of three. Thornell currently teaches second grade at Veritas Christian Academy in New Mexico.

"I love teaching and taught 10 years in California and spent one year as a Reading Specialist before moving out of the state," Thornell said.

Thornell says she enjoys touring the wineries and eating at restaurants in the downtown area of Livermore when visiting her parents.

Photo credit Caitlin Elizabeth Photography, LLC