HIGH POINT — North Carolina’s representative to the Miss American Competition was crowned this weekend at High Point Theater. Karolyn Martin, of Boone, topped 29 other candidates to win the coveted crown and the opportunity to compete for the Miss America crown in Connecticut in December.
A singer, Martin wore the Miss Metrolina sash in the competition that featured young women from across the Old North State in the traditional state pageant that has a heavy focus on talent and interview skills. Abby Britt, Miss Dunn, was the first runner-up and would become Miss North Carolina if Martin were to win Miss America.
Martin promoted her social impact initiative of “Self Kare: Eat to Success,” which encouraged healthy eating habits without focusing on weight and appearance. She sang “This is the Moment” in the talent competition. In addition to winning the crown, Martin received $21,000 in scholarships throughout the week’s competition.
“I am so honored to be the 84th Miss North Carolina,” said Martin in a statement. “This year I will continued advocating for nutrition and positive body image with my social impact initiative.”
Martin has already published a cookbook in line with her healthy eating initiative. “I am excited to promote the scholarship and professional development opportunities that the Miss America Organization offers,” said Martin.
The Miss North Carolina competition played out last week in High Point with private interviews starting Wednesday and preliminary competitions held Thursday and Friday. Martin took a preliminary award for “Red Carpet” which showcases the candidates style. Miss Sandhills, Julia DeSerio, was the other preliminary red carpet winner and Miss Thomasville, Lilly Beaver, and Miss Gaston County, Bailey Beam, were the preliminary talent winners.
Miss Emerald Ridge, Hannah Harvey of Stateville, was named Miss Congeniality. The remaining top five finalists were second runner-up DeSerio of Shelby, third runner-up, Miss Randolph County Lauryn Mallard of Advance, and fourth runner-up, Miss Wilson, Anna-Claire Musick of Macclesfield.
In the teen competition, Kerrigan Brown, 17, of Spivey’s Corner, was named Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen representing Zebulon. Brown performed a jazz dance to “So Much Better” in the talent competition and promoted her social impact initiative “Kind is Cool” which encourages people to perform acts of kindness. Josie Perdue, of Asheboro, was first runner-up representing Thomasville. Brown will compete for the title of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen in Dallas in August.
