Meet our 2024 winners!

Miss Zebulon 2025 –   Ashtyn Thomas

Age: 19

Current Employment or Schooling: Employment: Freelance Makeup Artist- Glam by Ashtyn Schooling: NC State University- Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture.

Scholastic/Career Ambition: Specialize in K-12 architectural design

Community Service Initiative (CSI): RISE: Resilient and Intelligent young women Supporting Empowerment

Performance Talent: Vocal Performance- “A Moment Like This”

Accomplishments: Miss Lumbee 2023; Diversity Architecture Student Fellow; NC State Creatives Student Spotlight; NCSU NASA Club Secretary; 919 Southeast Native Art Show Finalist; Dr Ruth Dial Woods Scholarship Recipient 2023

Interesting Facts: I’m on track to become the first female Lumbee architect; I can almost recite the entire Hamilton musical; I love creating To-Do lists.

Describe your personal health initiatives and alignment with #MissAmericaFit: As a college student, I walk for at least an hour daily to support my cardiovascular health and clear my mind. Meal prepping nutricious foods fuels my body, helping me thrive in my studies and college life.

Name three items on your “bucket list” in the next five years: Graduate twice from NC State University, Travel to Egypt, Audition for American Idol.

 

Miss Wendell 2025 –   Sarah Beth Howard

Age: 22

Current Employment or Schooling: Legal Assistant-The Law Group

Scholastic/Career Ambition: To pursue a J.D. and work as a Family Law Attorney in Eastern NC.

Community Service Initiative (CSI): Before It Starts: Natural Disaster Preparedness

Performance Talent: Operatic vocal to “l’amour…rebelle,” ‘Habanera’from Carmen

Accomplishments: UNC Cum Laude Graduate. Assisted with the implementation of a sustainability program for the 2023 Miss NC Azalea Festival Garden Party; partnered with local organizations in NC to raise over $1000 worth of supplies to provide free emergency kits to families in need; Azalea Festival Queen’s Court member.

Interesting Facts: I was homeschooled until highschool; I have a pet gecko; I can wiggle my ears; I wrote my first “book” at age 8; I styled wigs for the Broadway Tour of My Fair Lady.

Describe your personal health initiatives and alignment with #MissAmericaFit: Being #MissAmericaFit is about my mental fitness as much as it is about physical fitness. I started my fitness journey to combat seasonal depression after graduation. I’d gone from a social undergrad trekking across campus everyday, to the office newbie behind my desk. To me, being #MissAmericaFit is about taking control of my activity by keeping my body and mind in its best condition.

Name three items on your bucket list in the next five years. Visit all 50 states; publish my account of Hurricane Florence; represent North Carolina at Miss America.

 

Miss Zebulon’s Teen 2025 – Ella Marks

Age: 15

Education: J. B. Hunt High School

Platform Issue: Educate & Elevate: The Power of Inclusion

Scholastic/Career Ambition: To graduate with a degree in Journalism/Communications from Clemson University and be an on-air news anchor  

Talent: “Glorious” by Macklemore in American Sign Language

Accomplishments:  Hunt High Varsity Tennis player, Multiple Regional and National Titles and Competitions with Hunter’s Competitive Cheerleading Team, JR/SR Ensemble Member with The Playhouse of Wilson, Hunt High School Ambassador, member of the Unity Club, SGA, FCA, Miss. North Carolina’s Teen 2024 Non-Finalist Interview winner  

Interesting Facts:  My dad has been my principal for 6 out of the 9 years I have been in school, this is one of my first years without him. Since I am the child of a principal, I have attended 9 different schools.  I love to read and completed a middle school summer reading list in the 3rd grade. I have 8-year-old twin brothers that I absolutely adore, and that inspired my CSI! I love to watch ABC11 in the mornings and have admired Barbara Gibbs since I was 5 years old.

#MissAmericaFit: Personal health is not one size fits all! I have learned that incorporating fitness into my life by doing an activity I like, keeps me motivated to move. I play tennis, go on bike rides, or swim to make sure that my body is getting the physical care it needs. These also happen to be activities I lean on to help clear the mental mess and refocus. I believe that mental and physical health are equally as important, and I try to prioritize both.  I love the #MissAmericaFit initiative because it showcases both!  

I feel that “connectivity” is a huge issue facing my generation. Most teens have a cell phone and are completely dependent on them. Almost all communication is done by text or on social media. While this is a fast and easy way to communicate, it has stunted the ability for some teens to connect with their peers in person. The dependence on technology for my generation is 100%, and I feel that teens need to learn how to connect and be fully present in every moment. 

Three items on my bucket list are:

  1. Represent my community at Miss. North Carolina’s Teen 
  2. Continue to spread my SII across North Carolina 
  3. Graduate high school with my diploma as well as my Associates Degree
 

Miss Wendell’s Teen 2025 – Halle Powell

Age: 17 

Current Employment or Schooling: I am a senior at Lenoir County Early College High School where I am dually enrolled at Lenoir Community College. 

Scholastic/Career Ambition: I am taking advantage of the fifth year at early college, earning extra college credit before advancing to a university. Upon graduating high school, I will have my associate degree in science and my sights set on UNC-Chapel Hill and Kenan-Flagler. As a leader, I would love to market my CSI creating a non-profit to serve. 

Community Service Initiative: “The Senior Shuffle Project” allows me to combine two things I love, dance and the elderly. Through seated dance movement I am able to bring an activity to my older friends that challenges their mind and their muscles. By serving in assisted living communities and senior centers I am able to bridge a gap and share my gift so others can experience the benefits of dancing. 

Performance Talent or HERStoryTM Description: The beauty of lyrical is when I am freely able to be me, execute movement I love, and emotionally connect to the piece. “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston accurately sets the tone of my personality. I am unapologetically me; direct, extra, and ready 

Accomplishments: Founder of the Buddy Program, Junior Leadership Lenoir, Dean’s List, President’s List, Miss Neuse 2023, Governor’s School nominee, Overall dance awards, Discovery Spotlight- Encore Dance, 

Interesting Facts: I was homeschooled until 9th grade, I lead a class of K-first grade at my local studio and assist the other classes, I have volunteered at a wildlife rescue center, and I have a rescue dog named Fred. 

Describe your personal health initiatives and alignment with #MissAmericaFit: I am mentally healthy and physically healthy. Dance makes me happy; I am in the studio giving or dancing 14+ hours a week. Staying mentally healthy means someone else’s opinion of me is none of my business. 

What Social issues, other than your CSI, will have the greatest impact on your generation and why? 

Hate and violence, we see it so much that it has become commonplace. Gun violence and social media are two issues that come to mind. My generation will be tasked with deciding how to improve moral and put violence in check creating safe and healthy spaces to learn and grow. 

Name three items on your ‘bucket list’ in the next five years. Go to New York and see the Rockettes, earn a crystal award at Showstoppers, graduate from UNC 

 

Meet our Zebulon Queens!

From left to right:

Miss Zebulon’s Teen 2025: Ella Marks, Miss Zebulon 2025: Ashtyn Thomas

Meet our Wendell Queens!

From left to right:

Miss Wendell 2025: Sarah Beth Howard,  Miss Wendell’s Teen 2025: Halle Powell

Miss North Carolina Program

Becoming a Delegate Fast Facts

 To participate you must:

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 27.
  • Pay $39 Registration with Miss America-
  • Pay $100 to Local Organization
  • Be a United States citizen.
  • Be single.
  • Meet residency requirements for participating in a certain town or state.
  • Meet character criteria as set forth by the Miss America Organization.
  • Be in reasonably good health to meet the job requirements.
  • Develop a Community Service Initiative.
  • Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities as set forth by the local program in which you participate.

Previous Title Holders

Miss Zebulon:                                                            

2018, Maya Bryant                                                        

2019, Lauren Turner

2020-2021, Julia Walsh

2022, Sarah Beth Howard

2023, Chloe Smothers

2024, Brooke Evans

2025, Ashtyn Thomas

 

Miss Wendell:                                                             

2023, Norma-Jean Miller

2024, D’Amrah Rowdy

2025, Sarah Beth Howard

To compete you must:

  • Pay $39 Registration with Miss America-
  • Pay $100 to Local Organization
  • Be a young lady between the ages of 14 and 18*
  • Be a United States citizen.
  • Meet character criteria as set forth by the MNC Teen and MAO Teen organizations.
  • Develop a Community Service Initiative.
  • Be in reasonably good health to meet the job requirements for serving as MNC Teen.
  • Be able to meet the time commitment and responsibilities as set forth by the local program in which you compete.
  • Must be eligible to compete in the Miss America Competition

Previous Title Holders

Miss Zebulon’s Teen:

2018, Yancie Mitchell

 2019, Hailey Wagner

2020-2021, Kailey Wadsworth

2022, Kerrigan Brown

2022, Kerrigan Brown, Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen

2023, Kamryn Hollowell

2024, Kaydin Brown

2025, Ella Marks

 

Miss Wendell’s Teen:

2023, Carsyn Hicks

2024, Harley Murray

2025, Halle Powell

Miss North Carolina's Teen

Becoming a Delegate Fast Facts

2025 Carolina Stars Number

Carolina Stars

Becoming a Carolina Star Fast Facts

Previous Title Holders

Miss Zebulon’s Carolina Stars:  

2018, Taylor Sanders

2019, Keegan Beck

 2020-2021, Lyla Ferguson

2022, Ava Scott

2023, Lynnly Brooks Smith

2024, Georgia Kate McMahan

 

 

 

 Miss Zebulon’s Teen Carolina Stars: 

2018, Molly Wheeler

2019, Payten Baines & Maya Cummings

2020-2021, Maya Wadsworth

2022, Paisley Kay Autrey

2023, Karrington Hollowell 2023, Shelby Knox

2024, Olivia Meininger

 

Miss Wendell’s Carolina Stars
2023, Wheeler Hildebrand
2024, Zoe Whitehead
   
 
Miss Wendell’s Teen’s Carolina Star
2023, Charlie Kate Privette
2024, Ansley Whitley
 

COME JOIN THE FUN! Carolina Stars will be paired with a Miss or Teen delegate who will act as a mentor. Carolina Stars will receive a tiara, sash, and official Miss Zebulon/Miss Wendell t-shirt; perform on stage during the pageant in a special production number; and will be crowned on stage during the pageant.

The Carolina Stars Program is a mentoring program for young girls ranging from 5 to 12 years of age. Carolina Stars  begin their mentoring with Miss and Teen Delegates at the local level. They are encouraged to join their mentor in as many appearances, volunteer opportunities, and other events as possible. Carolina Stars are present the week of the Miss North Carolina/Miss NCT Pageants, and participate in the production as well as attend promotional events with their mentor. The main goal of the Carolina Stars Program is to enable young girls to have better insight to The Miss North Carolina/Miss NCT Pageants, to learn what the Miss America program is all about, and to encourage them to become the next generation of delegates.

To participate you must:

  • Participation Fee – $100-$150*
  • CSs receive a tiara, sash, and an official Miss Zebulon/Miss Wendell t-shirt; they will be crowned on stage; they will perform in a special production number and the finale.
  • Minimal wardrobe requirements:
    • Production number:  To Be Determined
    • Crowning & finale:  a solid color white, floor-length dress; shoes and jewelry of your choice.
  • Miss Zebulon’s/Miss Wendell’s and Miss Zebulon’s/Miss Wendell’s Teen’s Carolina Star will be invited to participate in appearances when appropriate.

The Miss America Organization, a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, is the nation’s leading advocate for women’s education and the largest provider of scholarship assistance to young women in the United States, awarding millions of dollars annually in cash awards and in-kind tuition waivers.  MAO is comprised of 51 organizations, including all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Miss America contestants contribute tens of thousands of community service hours annually and have raised over $16 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Miss America scholarships since 2007.

Established in 1921 by local Atlantic City businessmen as a way to extend the summer season, The Miss America Organization has since grown to become one of the most recognizable household names in America.

Miss America is more than a title, it’s a movement of empowering young women everywhere to achieve their dreams by providing quality scholarship assistance and honoring their commitment to helping other

Benefits of the Program

  • Gain valuable experience and develop life skills that will benefit your everyday life (i.e. interview skills, public speaking, interpersonal communication, social interaction, etc.);
  • Earn quality scholarship funds for college and graduate school, regardless of whether a title is won;
  • Create awareness of your potential strengths and increase your self-confidence;
  • Find new interests and discover new opportunities;
  • Make lifelong friendships and relationships with your peers, as well as other generations;
  • Gain a sense of accomplishment by using your free time in a positive and constructive manner;
  • Learn to set goals, follow them through, and exceed your expectations;
  • Develop a sense of responsibility for helping others;
  • Foster a positive, self-motivated mindset to achieve your goals; and
  • Receive recognition for your efforts in bettering yourself and your community.

Meet the Local Director

Tracy Alford

 

Tracy Alford is the co-owner of Simply Blush Bridal in Wendell, North Carolina, an essential part of the Praise Team at East Wake Church of God, and a huge people-person! She loves volunteering with the Miss North Carolina Program and spending time at the lake with her family. To contact her, please send an email to: tracyalford76@gmail.com

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Zebulon Magnet Middle School! (1000 Shepard School Rd. Zebulon, NC 27597)

Tickets are $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door!

Miss America 18-28 – must be 18 by state competition, and no older than 27!

Step 1:

Register HERE: https://www.missamerica.org/signup/

 

Each Delegate will Register and pay registration fee to Miss America. 

1A. Then, she will pay $100 to the Local Organization.

Step 2:

Contact Tracy and she will email you all needed forms.

  • Miss America’s Teen 14-18 – must be 14 by state competition and no older than 18 at state competition.*


Teen Age Criteria- Additional Notes:

*Miss America HQ is reinstating the option for 18-year-old contestants to have a ‘pivot’ year to decide whether they would like to compete in the Teen or Miss divisions.

*A TEEN must not be more than 18 years old at the FIRST DAY of the State competition and must be at least 14 years of age. To clarify, the date of determining this age criterion remains the first day of the published State competition schedule.

*Additionally, once an 18-year-old decides on the division she may compete in, she may not change divisions until the next cycle.

 

Step 1:

Register HERE: https://www.missamerica.org/signup/

Each Delegate will Register and pay registration fee to Miss America. 

1A. Then, she will pay $100 to the Local Organization.

Step 2:

Contact Tracy and she will email you all needed forms.

Note: In order for the following to be applicable, your application must be received by September 15th at 11:59 ET.

All Miss, Teen, Carolina Stars and Reigning Queens are encouraged to attend every practice to be well prepared for competition. 

Production Practice

Sunday, September 29                                                                                                           

3:00 PM – 5:00PM (Massey School of Dance-1800 Pearces Rd Zebulon, NC 27597)

 

Production Practice

Sunday, October 6th
3:00 PM – 5:00PM ((Massey School of Dance-1800 Pearces Rd Zebulon, NC 27597)

 

Production Practice

Sunday, October 13th
3:00 PM – 5:00PM ((Massey School of Dance-1800 Pearces Rd Zebulon, NC 27597)

 

Mandatory Full Dress Rehearsal

Friday, October 18th
5:30-9:00pm
At Zebulon Magnet Middle
(All Miss, Teen, and Carolina Stars)
(Bring Full Wardrobe)
(Opening Number Outfit for Miss, Teen, and CS)
(Talent Outfit)
(Carolina Stars Outfit)
(Evening Gown- Miss and Teen)
(Carolina Stars – Floor Length White Gown and White Shoes)
All Miss Teen and Carolina Stars are encouraged to attend all practices

Miss NC

WORK WEEKEND 2025 (Mandatory for ALL Miss, Teens, and Carolina Stars)

March 14th-16th at Embassy Suites (201 Harrison Oaks Blvd Cary, NC 27513)

 

MISS NORTH CAROLINA COMPETITION 2025

June 23rd-June 28th at High Point Theater (200 E Commerce Ave. High Point, NC 27260)