Editor's Note: Please forgive us for the earlier image using a crime headline over the Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant story. We're human and make mistakes. The young ladies and the pageant deserve better.

The Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant is an esteemed annual event in Kinston, North Carolina, celebrating the talent, poise, and community involvement of young women in the area. The upcoming pageant is scheduled for February 22, 2025, at 7 PM, at the Kinston/Lenoir County Performing Arts Center. This year, 12 contestants will compete in various categories, including Interview, Creative Expression, Talent, and Gown. The event will be emceed by David Sawyer and will feature special performances by Miss Neuse 2024, Campbell Price, the Miss Neuse Dancers, Halle Powell – Miss Wendell's Teen, Lilli Daughety – 2024 Kinston Distinguished Young Woman, Rachel Noble – 2024 Lenoir County Distinguished Young Woman, and Shelton Carter.

Ticket Information:

• Reserved Seating: $20

• General Admission: $15 in advance; $20 at the door

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Diane Howard at 252-559-0238 or through any contestant.

Meet the Contestants:

1. Lexi Nicole White

   • Talent: Lyrical Dance

   • Education: Junior at Lenoir Community Early College High School

   • Parent: Nicole Noble

2. Callie Rae Stanley

   • Talent: Contemporary Dance

   • Education: Sophomore at North Lenoir High School

   • Parents: Thomas and Alicia Stanley

3. Aislyn Marie Chernault

   • Talent: Theatrical Acro

   • Education: Sophomore at South Lenoir High School

   • Parents: Lillion Brown & Craig Chernault

4. Malia Rae Bryant

   • Talent: Jazz Dance

   • Education: Sophomore at North Lenoir High School

   • Parent: Mary Jenkins

5. Lily Michelle Paulk

   • Talent: Tap Dance

   • Education: Sophomore at Lenoir Community Early College High School

   • Parents: Blake and Denise Paulk

6. Keira Amor Jenkins

   • Talent: Jazz Dance

   • Education: Sophomore at Classical Conversations

   • Parents: Celeste Jenkins and Christopher Jenkins

7. Kara Grayson Brock

   • Talent: Clogging

   • Education: Sophomore at North Lenoir High School

   • Parents: Joy and Grady Brock

8. Lexy Reese Rouse

   • Talent: Tap Dance

   • Education: Sophomore at North Lenoir High School

   • Parents: Herb and Julie Rouse

9. Ashlyn Hope Pettry

   • Talent: Lyrical Dance

   • Education: Sophomore at North Lenoir High School

   • Parents: Bridget Rouse and Greg Arnette

10. Sydney Grace Williamson

    • Talent: Jazz Dance

    • Education: Sophomore at Classical Conversations

    • Parents: Danarae and Danny Williamson

11. Kamryn Daile Harrison

    • Talent: Contemporary Dance

    • Education: Sophomore at North Lenoir High School

    • Parents: Shannan Harrison and Brandon Harrison

12. Lorelai Faith Hoover

    • Talent: Contemporary Dance

    • Education: Sophomore at Classical Conversations

    • Parents: Jon and Motsy Hoover

About the Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant:

Established in 1980, the Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant has been a cherished tradition in Kinston, providing young women with opportunities to showcase their talents and earn scholarships for their educational pursuits. The pageant emphasizes personal development, community involvement, and academic achievement. Over the years, it has celebrated numerous accomplished winners, including:

2024: Campbell Price, a student at South Lenoir High School.

2023: Halle Powell, a sophomore at Lenoir County Early College High School.

2019: Kennedy Bryce Santes, daughter of Tim and LaDonna Dilday, Francisco Santes.

These winners have continued to contribute positively to the community, embodying the values and spirit of the Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant.

Join us on February 22nd to support these talented young women and celebrate the rich tradition of excellence in our community.