The Carolina Forest High School Pageant was held on March 29, 2025. The behind the scenes work began as soon as the 2024 pageant was over. Dr. Matt Ward and the pageant team try to keep the pageant fresh and more comfortable for the contestants.
“We are always looking for ways to improve the pageant experience for the contestants, so we look for ways to make the process easier and better each year,” shared Dr. Matt Ward
Pageants are not only to showcase the participants beauty but also have an interview portion, onstage question, and talent. Participants are able to showcase their internal beauty and why they should be crowned Miss Carolina Forest 2025.
This year there were six winners crowned: Miss Freshman, Marlee McLeod; Miss Sophomore, Taylor Stevenson; Miss Junior, Cadence Kenion; Miss Senior, Virginia Gunnell; Miss Panther, Jaylen Green; and Miss CFHS, Emily Parker.
When preparing for pageants some contestants spend months preparing, while some have a more go with the flow type of mentality. This year’s Miss Carolina Forest High School, Emily Parker, was able to give us an inside look into what it is like preparing for this pageant.
“It’s so unexplainable how it feels to be crowned the 2025 Miss Carolina Forest. I’ve competed in this pageant the past three years but never for the big title. Because the pageant was originally scheduled in January I started preparing in November. I got my evening dress in December and pretty much learned my talent the week before. My talent was signing ASL to, “This is Me” from “The Greatest Showman.” But when I found out it got moved to late March, we all had to relearn opening numbers, I had to prepare my talent again.”
Not only do participants have to buy dresses and get their hair and makeup done, but they also have to prepare themselves for the interview portion and onstage question. One of the techniques contestants use to succeed in this portion is by not preparing at all and being authentic.
“For the interview portion of the pageant, I didn’t rehearse anything. I just wanted to be my most authentic self. I couldn’t be more thankful for the outcome, and I’m so blessed and excited for what’s coming next,” Emily Parker shared.
Our Miss CFHS High School Pageant was more than just a night of glitz and glamour; it was a celebration of talent, confidence, and school spirit. Whether they walked away with a crown or not, each contestant made their mark and inspired their peers.
Photo Credit: Dr. Matt Ward
