Garner woman 'in shock' at Miss North Carolina win

"It's a legacy of outstanding women, and I have some big shoes to fill, but I'm very excited to get to step into them," she said.

One of the first "congratulations" she got came from another successful Garner native, "American Idol" champion Scotty McCreery. 

"He actually tweeted at me last night, so thank you, Scotty," Honeycutt said. She said they've shared the stage at variety shows in their hometown.

Miss Johnston County Bindu Pamarthi took second place and the Scholarship Award. She will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

A vocal major at ECU, Honeycutt sang "Someone Like You" as her talent. She will put her education on hold to compete in the Miss America pageant next January and to promote volunteerism in appearances throughout North Carolina.

"My platform is 'The Domino Effect,' which aims to inspire volunteerism one person at a time," she said. "I really look forward to traveling around and promoting service here in our state."

Honeycutt said a family friend got her involved in pageants five years ago. The contests, especially the swimsuit competition, can be nerve-wracking, she said, but this year's contestants had fun together.

"The girls this year were so wonderful. It didn't really feel like a competition," she said. "It was really kind of a lot of fun just to compete alongside them."

This year, Miss Fayetteville Kaycey Hall took the Miss Congeniality and Children's Miracle Network Maker awards.

Rounding out the top five of the Miss North Carolina pageant were second runner-up Jessie Smith, Miss Tarheel; third runner-up Brooklyne Williamson, Miss Central Carolina; and fourth runner-up Mya Kayler, Miss Queen City. The rest of the top 11 finalists were Miss Concord Emily Huneycutt, Miss Garner Johna Edwards, Miss Goldsboro Blair Mozingo, Miss Greater Sandhills Kensley Leonard, Miss Mecklenburg County Maddison Sheppard and Miss Raleigh Amanda Sowards.

Non-finalist talent winners include Miss Benson Amery Dean Capps, Miss Race City Ashtin Gill, Miss Spivey's Corner Mary Catherine Tucker, Miss Statesville Jordan Rager, and Miss Thomasville Katy Ezzell.

Miss Archdale-Trinity Elizabeth Safrit and Miss Greater Wilmington Alexis Gonzalez tied as the non-finalist interview winners.