Miss Goldsboro crowned
By John Joyce
Published in News on January 25, 2015 1:50 AM
Full Size
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Victoria Baskett, 21, is crowned Miss Goldsboro 2015 at the Paramount Theatre. Pinning on her crown is outgoing Miss Goldsboro, Emily Tucker.
An enthusiastic crowd of more than 350 citizens of Wayne County and surrounding areas were on hand Saturday night at the Paramount Theatre in Goldsboro to witness the crowning of Miss Goldsboro 2015, Victoria Baskett.
Moments after receiving her crown, bouquet and plaque, an emotional Ms. Baskett, 21, had plenty of supporters to thank.
"Oh my goodness, it is such a 'village raises a child' kind of thing -- my family, my friends, the people that have coached me and worked with me on swimsuit and playing the flute. There are so many people, I could stand here forever," she said.
Being from Fayetteville, which is also a military town, Ms. Baskett said she is very excited about being part of another military community and vowed to work to strengthen the ties between the community and the men and women who serve their country and their families..
Ms. Baskett will graduate in May 2016 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is in the process of applying to pursue graduate work in the field of physical therapy.
Miss Goldsboro 2014 Emily Tucker, who ended her reign Saturday, placed the winner's crown.
A new Miss Outstanding Teen also received her crown Saturday night.
Catherine White, who swept all four award categories including top ad sales, Miss Congeniality, interview and talent -- was crowned by outgoing Miss Outstanding Teen 2014 Rachel Brittain.
"It has been an amazing experience. I am just so excited, I can't believe it that I was blessed with this opportunity," she said.
Ms. White is looking forward to immersing herself in Goldsboro and becoming part of the community.
The show itself was a musical affair, filled with song, dance and a number of instrumental performances including a piano, flute and saxophone.
Other contestants also received honors during Saturday's pageant. Emily Mitchell was named first runner-up, while Amelia Wilson took home the title of second-runner up.
Sarah Boltinhouse took home the award for both top ad sales and community service.
Bailee Daniels was named Miss Congeniality. Jerenae Raeford won the talent competition with her powerful operatic performance.
Emceeing the affair were a pair of powerful singers in their own rights, past Miss Goldsboro winners Jill Howell (1998) and Blair Mozingo (2012.)
The former pageant winners shared some comedic segues between portions of the competition and took several opportunities while thanking sponsors of the night's program to recommend several outstanding local eateries -- a luxury they both said they can now enjoy since they are no longer competing.
Ms. Baskett will also go on to represent Goldsboro in the Miss North Carolina pageant.