My journey with the Miss America Organization began this year, and it has been an incredible experience! As a competitive dancer for six years, I’ve often wondered how I could expand my passion for dance beyond the stage. Over the past two years, I’ve participated in my high school’s pageants and discovered a love for competing. After this year’s school pageant, my best friend and I decided to try a preliminary pageant to pursue a title within the Miss America system. To my excitement, I walked away with the title of Miss Carolina Foothills’s Teen, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve my community.

In just a few months of joining the pageant world, I’ve learned the importance of self-belief and the power of hard work and determination. These lessons have already shaped me and continue to inspire my journey.

As Miss Carolina Foothills’s Teen, my mission is to inspire and educate. I plan to visit schools and advocate for children with disabilities, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and recognize their limitless potential. Additionally, I hope to teach younger audiences that children with disabilities are capable of achieving amazing things and should always be treated with respect and kindness. In my first few weeks as Miss Carolina Foothills’s Teen, I’ve already had the privilege of visiting my local elementary school and a nearby preschool, where I’ve begun sharing this important message.

I am currently a high school sophomore, where I’m a member of the Varsity Dance Team and the Art Honors Society. This spring, I will also join the National Beta Club. After high school, I plan to attend a four-year university to major in Biomedical Sciences. My ultimate goal is to attend PA school and become a Physician Assistant in Dermatology. My passion for dermatology stems from personal experience with skin conditions, which taught me how much confidence healthy skin can bring. Additionally, my family’s history with skin cancer has motivated me to specialize in skin cancer treatment, as I want to help others feel confident and cared for.

When I’m not at school or attending events with my sister queens, you can usually find me at my dance studio. Dance is a huge part of my life, and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunities it has given me. Outside of dance, I love spending time with my friends and family. Together, we enjoy ice skating in the winter and swimming in the ocean during the summer. I also have a passion for art and creativity, whether through dancing, drawing, or crafting.

I’m thrilled to be on the path to Miss North Carolina’s Teen this June, and I hope you’ll join me on this exciting journey! Follow me on social media at @misscarolinafoothillsteen_nc to keep up with this experience of a lifetime.