Lorna McNeill grew up with Rebekah Revels and considers her a sister. A former Miss North Carolina herself, she said she knows how difficult it would be to give up the crown. She talked with Revels after she made her decision, but she would not be specific about the exact reason Revels resigned.
"She did the best she knew to do at that time," McNeill said.
Revels resigned after her former fiance sent the Miss America organization hurtful information about her. Revels said she decided to turn in her crown because she did not want her abusive relationship with him to bring reproach to a program she admires.
"Why would you want to intentionally destroy someone's hopes and dreams for the future, which you had known she worked so hard and diligently for," McNeill said.
Revels will also have to forfeit $12,000 in scholarship money. Dylan Revels said he believes as a teacher and role model, the money just did not matter to her.
"I think her moral values she was brought up with and instilled in her were more important than the value of money," He said.
Many Robeson County residents said they still support her. A local bus company was planning to bus residents to New Jersey for the Miss America pageant. First runner-up Misty Clymer will be crowned the new Miss North Carolina during a private ceremony Wednesday night.
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