North Carolina Central University sophomore Carrie Everett was crowned the 2024 Miss North Carolina on Saturday night at High Point Theatre.
Everett, who is also Miss Johnston County, will represent the state at the upcoming Miss America pageant. During the competition on Saturday, Everett promoted her community service initiative, “We Need Equity to Build Communities” and performed “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going" from the musical “Dreamgirls.”
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As the newly crowned Miss North Carolina, Everett will receive $20,000 and a car for the year from Knox Auto Sales in Dunn. She also received $3,500 in scholarships for other awards she won 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 is the fourth Black woman to win the title since the pageant began in 1937. Deneen Graham was the first in 1983, followed by Alexandra Badgett in 2019 and Karolyn Martin in 2022.
The 2024 Miss North Carolina court includes:
- 4th Runner Up ($1,500): Miss Asheville, Sophia Kellstrom
- 3rd Runner Up $2,000): Miss Blue Ridge Valley, Hannah Welborn-Lewis
- 2nd Runner Up ($3,500): Miss Ballantyne, Lauryn Mallard
- 1st Runner Up ($7,500): Miss Central Carolina, Keelie Jones
Other awards:
- Miss Congeniality ($1,000): Miss Charlotte Meck, Kate White
- Non-Finalist Talent ($500): Miss Thomasville, Taylor Foley
- Non-Finalist Interview ($500): Miss Wendell D’Amrah Rowdy
- Vocal Talent Award ($500): Miss Johnston County, Carrie Everett
- Rookie Scholarship ($1000): Miss Johnston County, Carrie Everett