Miss Goldsboro, Nicki Sanderson starts her quest to be next Miss North Carolina
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 20, 2007 1:45 PM
Braving a twisted ankle as she goes into the preliminary talent round of competition tonight, Miss Goldsboro Nicki Sanderson is in good spirits, her mother said this morning.
The 18-year-old contestant from Four Oaks left over the weekend for the Miss North Carolina pageant in Raleigh, which culminates Saturday night in Memorial Auditorium. She has been in rehearsals all week, with preliminary events held Tuesday through Thursday evenings and interview scheduled for Friday.
The experience was almost overshadowed when the lyrical dancer was injured last week.
"At practice Thursday, she did a leap and fell on the floor," said her mother, Vickey Sanderson.
Families are unable to communicate with the 29 contestants except through letters, Mrs. Sanderson said. She said her daughter had written that "her ankle was blue" but remained optimistic it would be better in time for the competition.
"She's really positive," Mrs. Sanderson said.
Each evening leading up to the event, contestants are divided into groups and judged on either evening gown, talent or swimsuit. For Miss Sanderson, Tuesday was swimsuit night.
While she didn't win the preliminary contest, her mother said, "She did very well. I was very proud of her."
The family, which also includes father Kenneth, twin sister Kari and brothers Josh and Matt, got to visit briefly with Miss Sanderson after Tuesday's performance.
She was doing well, her mother said, and was able to walk on her injured foot.
Just in time. Tonight she performs her talent and Thursday competes in the evening gown category.