Carrie Everett Crowned Miss North Carolina: A Journey of Faith and Determination

On Saturday, June 29, Carrie Everett, Miss Johnston County, was crowned the new Miss North Carolina. Everett is a rising sophomore at North Carolina Central University, an HBCU.

We had the pleasure of interviewing her after NCCU’s 2023 Homecoming Talent Show, where she performed as Beyonce. During the interview with our reporter, That Boy Ejay, she shared that she has been competing in pageants since she was 15. Her pageant history includes competing in Miss Auburn, Miss Washington, and Miss Johnston County.

Everett offered advice to aspiring performers and pageant participants, encouraging them to "take a leap of faith and put yourself out there. Get rid of the anxiety and fear because it's all in your head."

Her own journey is a testament to this advice, as she is now the fourth Black woman to be crowned Miss North Carolina since the pageant's inception in 1937. Deneen Graham was the first in 1983, followed by Alexandra Badgett in 2019, and Karolyn Martin in 2022.

As the new Miss North Carolina, Everett will receive $20,000 and a car for the year from Knox Auto Sales in Dunn. Additionally, she earned $3,500 in scholarships for other awards during the pageant week, including the preliminary evening gown and talent competitions, the Susan Griffin Fisher Best in Vocal Talent Scholarship, and the Karen Bloomquist Rookie Scholarship.

"When I registered to compete this year, I only had $40 in my pocket,” Everett said. “That is the reality of many young women in this country. I believe in the Miss America Opportunity, what it has done and what it continues to do for young women like me. With this title, I am empowered and ready to facilitate a new culture of equity within this brand."

Everett will compete in the next Miss America Pageant. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Photo Creds: Lenn Long