The 2024 Miss Emerald Ridge, Emerald Ridge’s and Mineral City’s Teen competitions were held recently at Mitchell High.
Five Teen contestants and four Miss contestants competed for titles. This year's contestants and Carolina Stars collected nonperishable food items and winter jackets for area children. Prior to the competition, the Carolina Stars went gem mining at Gem Mountain along with the reigning queens. Kallie Barker, Dallas Seagle and Alyssa Hemphill were featured during the show and were on hand to crown their successors.
Each contestant competed in the Private Interview phase of competition followed by the onstage competition including Onstage Question, Fitness, Talent and Evening Gown.
The Heart of a Servant Community Service Award, presented to a member of the community who demonstrates a heart and passion for community service, was awarded in honor and memory of Caius Arrington who was killed in a car accident this past summer. Arrington was an organ donor. The award was accepted by his mother, Sarah Peterson.
In honor of Arrington, the Miss Emerald Ridge Committee sold raffle tickets for an emerald ring donated by Gem Mountain. The drawing raised just over $1,800 to be donated to the Caius Arrington Scholarship. In the Teen division, the Community Service Award was given to Hope Bryant. The Teen Congeniality winner was AJ Thomas.
Bryant received the Talent and Evening Gown award and was crowned Miss Mineral City’s Teen. Ella Parker was crowned Miss Emerald Ridge’s Teen. Each young lady will compete next June at the Miss North Carolina’s Teen Pageant. The Miss Community Service Award was given to Rieonna Weldon. Congeniality was awarded to Maddy Wilson.
Weldon also won the Talent and Evening Gown awards. Wilson was crowned Miss Emerald Ridge. Her prize package includes a $1,000 scholarship and she will compete in June at Miss North Carolina. These ladies will compete at the Miss North Carolina and Miss North Carolina’s Teen Competitions next June where they will vie to earn additional scholarships.
For more info on the Miss Emerald Ridge Scholarship Program, email missemeraldridge@yahoo.com.