The local delegates, including the Carolina Princesses, pose for a group photo in High Point at the 2023 Miss North Carolina competition.
The 2023 Miss North Carolina and Miss North Carolina’s Teen competitions were held recently at the High Point Theatre.
Rasheeda Waddell and Heather French Henry (Miss America 2000) served as hosts for the event. Miss Emerald Ridge, Emerald Ridge and Mineral City’s Teen were among the local young ladies vying for the prestigious titles.
The ladies were accompanied by Carolina Princesses Camdyn Williams, HaLeigh Silvers and Paisley Cowart. The Carolina Princesses were showcased in production numbers during each show.
For the delegates, private interviews were conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday. Preliminary competitions took place on Thursday and Friday with the finals for each title on Saturday.
Hanley House, Miss Cleveland’s Teen, captured the crown of Miss North Carolina’s Teen and a $7,500 scholarship. Taylor Loyd, Miss Statesville, was crowned the 85th Miss North Carolina with a prize package that included a $20,000 scholarship.
Both ladies will travel to the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen competition in January.
Former Miss Emerald Ridge 2022 Hannah Harvey was a top-16 finalist and Emerald Ridge Teen 2019 Keelie Jones was the third runner-up.
Gabriel Pitman was also recognized onstage and awarded the “Super Fan Award” presented by Miss North Carolina 2022 Karolyn Martin.
In total, $22,500 in scholarships were awarded in the Teen Competition. The Miss North Carolina Organization awarded more than $110,000 in scholarships.
The Miss Emerald Ridge Organization is planning a Sept. 23 date for this year’s competition. To become a candidate or a sponsor, email missemeraldridge@yahoo.com for more information.