Miss Wilmington's Teen

06/29/2026

As this incredible journey comes to a close, my heart is overflowing with gratitude.

First, congratulations to Camdyn Lee on being crowned Miss North Carolina’s Teen! I know you are going to represent our state with grace, kindness, and authenticity, and I can’t wait to cheer you on this year. I’m also so proud of my sweet friends Brie and Isabella for earning a spot in the Top 5. Watching each of you shine was such a joy.

If there’s one thing this year has taught me, it’s that God always knows exactly what we need. This journey wasn’t always easy, but I truly believe He led me here for the friendships that will stay with me long after the crowns have been passed on.

Harley… thank you for every laugh, every pep talk, every prayer, and every memory. I know this friendship will last a lifetime. And to all of the incredible women you’ll see in these photos, thank you for making this year so special. The sisterhood is real, and I am so grateful for each of you.

To my family, thank you for believing in me every step of the way. To every sponsor who invested in this dream, thank you for making it possible. To Kam, Desiree, and Derek, thank you for the daily letters, prayers, encouragement, and Scriptures that reminded me Whose I am. Those words carried me through this week more than you’ll ever know. And Derek, thanks for trusting me with Stitch… he may have been the most supportive backstage buddy a girl could ask for. 💙 Alexis, thank you for the BEST HAMU a girl could ask for…and for all your encouragement last week!

Thank you to everyone who came to High Point, watched from home, sent messages, prayed for me, or simply believed in me. Your love meant more than I could ever express.

And to every little girl who ran up to me this week, told me I was beautiful, asked for a picture, or gave me a hug… thank you. You made me feel like a winner, regardless of the outcome.

While my year as Miss Wilmington’s Teen may be coming to an end, my mission isn’t. I’ll continue encouraging young girls to embrace who they are, love themselves, and never compare themselves to anyone else because they are fearfully and wonderfully made.

A title is temporary, but purpose lasts forever. I’m excited to see where God leads me next. ❤️

06/26/2026

Day 4 recap! 💖

Yesterday was another unforgettable day at Miss North Carolina’s Teen! I had the honor of competing in three of my four preliminary phases: Evening Gown, On Stage Question, and Fitness. Every time I step on that stage, I’m reminded what a privilege this opportunity truly is, and I’m soaking up every second.

One of the sweetest surprises this week has been the Carolina Stars. Even though I don’t have a little sister/Star of my own this week, I’ve absolutely loved getting to know so many of these amazing girls. It has meant the world to me that so many of them have wanted to take pictures with me each night. My heart is so full. ❤️🥹

Tonight is my final preliminary… TALENT! 🎤✨ My favorite phase of competition, and I can’t wait to share my heart through music.

See you at 7:00! 💙

06/25/2026

Day 3 Recap: Expect the Unexpected! ✨🐢

If there’s one thing pageant week has taught me, it’s to expect the unexpected!

Last night, we were moments away from my Evening Gown competition when the lights went out in the theater, and Preliminary Night One had to be postponed. While it definitely wasn’t the evening any of us had planned, I’m choosing to trust God’s plan. Sometimes the unexpected becomes part of the story, and I know He’s in control every step of the way.

Even though I never got to compete in Evening Gown, I still loved getting to meet so many of you afterward! A huge thank you to Alexis Thigpen for making me feel beautiful and to Mckenzie Jade’s for the cutest (and most comfortable!) shoes to pair with my cocktail dress. They were absolutely perfect for visiting and taking photos after the show! 🤍✨

And if today wasn’t already exciting enough…we started the morning by rescuing a turtle from the middle of the road! 🐢😂 Meet Freddie Lee Jr. After a quick drink of water and a safe spot in the bushes, he was on his way. Safe to say pageant week has kept us on our toes!

Now it’s time to get back to what we came here to do! Today I’ll be competing in three of my four phases of competition:
👗 4:00 PM – Evening Gown
💪 7:30 PM – Fitness & On Stage Question

If you’re able, I’d love for you to tune in and cheer on Candidate #3, Miss Wilmington’s Teen! Thank you for every prayer, message, and word of encouragement. I truly feel surrounded by the most incredible support.

No matter what surprises come our way, I’m grateful for every moment of this journey. Let’s do this! 💙👑

06/24/2026

✨ Click here to watch me compete for Miss North Carolina’s Teen 2026! ✨

Tonight, I’ll take the stage for the Evening Gown competition. Tomorrow night, I’ll compete in Fitness and On-Stage Question, and Friday night, I’ll perform my talent!

Each competition begins at 7:00 PM, and I would love for you to tune in and cheer me on from wherever you are.

Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, love, and support throughout this journey. It truly means the world to me. 💙

Miss Wilmington’s Teen, Candidate #3

Upcoming Events for Crown Productions

06/24/2026

Yesterday was a day I’ll never forget. 💙

The morning started with my interview for my dream job, the highest-scored phase of competition. I walked into that room ready to share my heart, my story, and the vision behind Sound of Smiles. No matter what happens this week, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have shared my authentic self with the judges.

After interview, we took a break to celebrate my mom’s birthday. What a gift it was to spend a little time with the woman who has supported every dream, every goal, and every crazy idea I’ve ever had. Mom, thank you for always believing in me.

Then came rehearsal.

The moment I stepped into the theater and saw the Miss North Carolina stage for the first time, I got chills. Standing there felt like a dream and a reminder of just how special this opportunity truly is. We spent the evening rehearsing, laughing, and preparing for the days ahead, and it all suddenly started to feel very real.

And now, it’s Day 3…the competition begins.

Tonight, I’ll take the Miss North Carolina’s Teen stage for Evening Gown, and I couldn’t be more excited. Thank you to everyone who has prayed, encouraged, texted, called, and cheered me on throughout this journey. Your support means the world to me.

If you’d like to follow along, be sure to tune into the livestream tonight @7 and cheer on Candidate #3!

Miss North Carolina’s Teen Candidate #3 ✨

06/23/2026

Day 1 of Miss North Carolina’s Teen Week is officially in the books! 💙✨

Yesterday started with an amazing visit to High Point University. Getting to explore the beautiful campus with my sisters was such a fun way to kick off the week, and it didn’t hurt that HPU is one of my dream colleges!

After our tour, it was time for check-in, wardrobe drop-off, and getting settled for an exciting week ahead. Seeing familiar faces, reconnecting with friends, and officially becoming Candidate #3 made everything feel very real.

We wrapped up the day at the Welcome to High Point event at Stock & Grain, where we enjoyed great food, even better company, and lots of laughs. One of the sweetest surprises of the evening was being reunited with Irelyn, my Carolina Star from last year. Even though I don’t have a star of my own this week, seeing her again was such a special moment. ❤️

As I reflect on the first day, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who has helped me get here. From my family, friends, sponsors, and community leaders to every person who has prayed for me, encouraged me, or followed along on this journey, thank you.

Today is interview day! If you would, please say a prayer for me at 8:45 this morning as I meet with the judges. Pray that I will be confident, authentic, and able to share my heart for Sound of Smiles and the Miss America Opportunity.

I’m so honored to represent Wilmington, Goldsboro, Pikeville, and eastern North Carolina this week. Let’s do this! 💙👑

Miss Wilmington’s Teen #3

HAMU Alexis Thigpen

06/20/2026

This visit reminded me exactly why God placed Sound of Smiles on my heart.

As I was leaving The Indigo, the director shared something that brought tears to my eyes. One of the gentlemen who joined our music session had not left his room since being admitted to the facility. But when I sang, he heard HIS music.

He recognized songs from his childhood. Songs from a different time in his life. Songs connected to memories, people, and moments that still live somewhere deep inside him.

And he came out.

He didn’t arrive until later in the program, but he came…he joined in…he smiled, sang, and danced!

Moments like that remind me that music is so much more than entertainment. It reaches places words cannot reach. Long after names, dates, and details fade, melodies remain. A familiar song can unlock a memory. A memory can spark a conversation. And sometimes, that memory can bring back a smile.

That is why I sing the songs of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. They are the soundtrack of so many of these residents’ lives. Every melody carries a story, and every story deserves to be remembered.

I walked into The Indigo hoping to brighten someone’s day, but once again, I left with my own heart overflowing.

Thank you, God, for continuing to show me that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. 💙🎶

Watch until the end and try not to smile. I dare you. 😊

06/20/2026

Want to watch the competition next week? Here’s the “official link”. I’m so excited to be heading to High Point in just over 24 hours!!!! https://brushfire.com/crownproductions/missnc-teen2026?fbclid=iwZnRzaASiu3vOevNpqyJptumCGu5x6Gl2vJrXmnN6m2V2h_J-32tyqx6mWSHbtqHZt6Kmm6DZyKfJpvbJ6fHqGra6i_J2qf6O3-N1pt-uWaHpvKbujG_PCGuqq9_Z3F-i1w_aem_nn5uuksvtudijrllhardea

Upcoming Events for Crown Productions

06/14/2026

Yesterday’s wardrobe showing was absolutely PERFECT. ❤️

Okay… maybe it was a little hot. 😂 But we can’t control the weather, right? 🤷‍♀️

Getting to finally share the wardrobe I’ve spent months dreaming, planning, and preparing for with the people who have supported me every step of the way was incredibly special. I am completely in love with this year’s wardrobe and cannot wait to take it to the Miss North Carolina’s Teen stage.

Seeing my friends, family, sponsors, and supporters give up part of their Saturday to celebrate this journey with me meant more than I can put into words. Every hug, encouraging word, and smile reminded me just how blessed I am.

A special thank you to Desiree Autrey. When I needed someone most, she stepped in and went above and beyond anything I could have imagined. She made yesterday unforgettable thanks to Classic Moments in Time Events! Thank you to my amazing sponsor, Tara of Elevated Aesthetics for helping me choose the perfect gift for Desiree!

I also loved having friends willing to provide entertainment while I changed outfits so I never felt rushed. Their willingness to jump in and support me made me feel so loved.

But the moment I’ll never forget was walking out and seeing my Grandaddy sitting there. Having him in the audience meant more than I can put into words. Getting to sing my talent song for him and then seeing tears in his eyes as I walked across the stage in my evening gown was better than anything I could have dreamed. I honestly had to fight back tears of my own because I never thought I would have this opportunity. It was one of those moments I’ll carry with me forever.

I don’t know what I did to deserve this incredible village God has blessed me with, but I promise I will do everything I can to make you proud at Miss North Carolina’s Teen.

This time next week, I’ll be in High Point beginning the adventure of a lifetime. After yesterday, my heart is full, my confidence is strong, and I’m more excited than ever for Miss North Carolina’s Teen.

I’m ready. ❤️👑

06/02/2026

It’s officially time… PEOPLE’S CHOICE VOTING IS LIVE ❤️🤩

If you would like to support me on my journey to Miss North Carolina’s Teen, I would be so honored to earn your vote!

This organization has given me scholarships, confidence, friendships, leadership skills, and helped me discover my passion for serving others through Sound of Smiles.

Because of this opportunity, I have been able to use music to bring joy to seniors living with dementia and adults with special needs while growing into the young woman I am today.

Thank you for supporting me, believing in me, and walking alongside me through this journey. Your encouragement means more than you know 💕

Voting link in bio!

📸 Alexis absolutely understood the assignment with this picture 😮‍💨✨

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