Katelynn Sillman has another crown to add to her collection.
Sillman, 10, competed in the America’s United States State and Regional Pageant in Albemarle on Saturday, Jan. 9 where she was crowned Miss Pre-Teen North Carolina and received a sash and a detailed crown.
“It was really scary, but exciting,” Sillman said. “I had a lot of fun hanging out with my friends and it was really fun to win the crown and the sash.”
The pageant had two main competition sections, which were casual/fun wear and party dress/gown. Sillman wore a groovy sixties outfit for the fun wear section and a royal blue gown for the gown section.
When Sillman was announced the winner of her division, she was wearing a mask, but said she had a huge smile on her face.
“I told my mom that they couldn’t see how big my smile was because of the mask,” Sillman said laughing. “I was so happy but they couldn’t tell.”
Going forward, Sillman will be able to compete in the America’s United States National pageant, which will be held in Albemarle in August.
Samantha Grindstaff, Sillman’s mother, said she was happy her daughter could compete and have fun during the ongoing pandemic.
“A lot of pageants have been canceled because of COVID, so I was really happy they had this one and gave those girls the opportunity to compete,” Grindstaff said. “I’m just happy she’s been able to continue doing this through the pandemic because it’s so important for these girls to socialize and build self-esteem.”
Grindstaff also competed in the pageant in the “Mrs.” division where she won the Mrs. Congeniality award. Grindstaff said competing in pageants together has become a mother and daughter tradition for them.
“It’s really great bonding time for us,” Grindstaff said. “We get to get all dressed up, get our nails done and it’s something for us both to enjoy and go away to every once in a while.”
America’s United States pageant is organized by TMC Productions. According to their website, their mission is “emphasizing skill building, poise, style and cultural appreciation.”