2026 Benefactor Grants

THE AMANDA WATSON BAILEY LEGACY IN BUSINESS GRANT – $1,500

Amanda Watson Bailey, Miss North Carolina 2008, a business owner and passionate advocate for women in leadership, proudly establishes this grant to support a Miss North Carolina candidate pursuing a career in business. Through her own entrepreneurial journey, Amanda has witnessed firsthand the profound impact that women can make when they step into leadership roles with vision, courage, and a heart for service.
This grant celebrates a young woman who aspires to make a meaningful mark in the business world—whether by launching her own venture, leading within an organization, or creating opportunities that foster growth and innovation. With a strong belief that the most effective leaders are servant-minded, Amanda hopes to encourage the next generation of women who will lead with integrity, empower others, and create lasting impact in their communities and beyond. This grant will be awarded to a Miss North Carolina candidate who demonstrates a passion for business, proven leadership potential, and a commitment to using her talents to make a positive difference in the world.

THE ASHTON AND CINAMON LOYD ARTS IN ACTION GRANT – $1,000

This grant recognizes a delegate who actively uses her artistic talents to create meaningful impact, foster connection, and bring joy to others. “Arts in Action” celebrates creativity in all forms—performing arts, visual arts, design, culinary arts, storytelling, spoken word, and beyond—and honors those who extend their talents into the community in purposeful and transformative ways. This award is presented to a young woman who demonstrates how her creativity serves as a vehicle for engagement, service, and positive change. Whether through performance, teaching, creating, or sharing, the recipient exemplifies the power of the arts to connect people and enrich lives. Applicants should reflect on personal experiences where they featured artistic or creative talents to impact others. How have you brought “arts into action” within your community? Examples may include, but are not limited to: performing or presenting in community settings, leading or participating in creative initiatives, mentoring others in the arts, developing visual or public art projects, storytelling, arts advocacy, culinary or design-based contributions, or other forms of creative expression that foster joy, connection, or positive change.

THE BEVERLY ADAMS HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA GRANT – $2,500

In memory of longtime state volunteer Beverly Adams, the Miss North Carolina Sisterhood has established this grant to honor her lifetime of contributions to North Carolina.  This award seeks to identify a young person of exceptional character, academic excellence, and one who understands the devotion to public service, dedication to community, and the elevation of the Arts as central to public discourse, demonstrated through volunteerism and the continued pursuit of higher education. Like Beverly, this individual continually strives to lift up those around them; one who exceeds expectations while quietly encouraging others to become the best version of themselves. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationship of good government, volunteering, and the importance of the Arts. Candidates should consider describing their journey of faith (secular or religious) in their calling for the greater good and why their educational goals can result in doing something for the greater good in their life’s calling. A minimum 3.5 GPA is required.

C. WAYNE HICKS FOUR POINTS GRANT – $2,000

Phyllis Hicks and Karen Bloomquist Elson of will fund the Four Points $2000 grant in honor of Wayne Hicks and his 55 years of service to the Miss North Carolina Organization. A graduate of King’s College and career business executive with the NC Department of Transportation, Wayne began working with the Miss Southern Pines Competition in 1968.  He served as the North Carolina Jaycee Chair of the Miss North Carolina Program, business manager for nine Miss North Carolinas, a Miss North Carolina Field Director, and Chief of Field Operations.  Currently he serves as Director, Vice President, and Treasurer for the North Carolina Educational Scholarship Fund.  This grant will be awarded to a 2023 candidate who best exemplifies the four points of the original Miss America Crown – – Style, Service, Scholarship, and Success.  Applicants should present their commitment to these four points and to the Miss America Program.

DAKEITA VANDERBURG ENTREPRENEURIAL GRANT – $1,500

A graduate of NC State University, Dakeita is an alumna of the Miss North Carolina Program having held the titles of Miss Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Miss Cabarrus Counties. She went on to earn the title of Miss Connecticut 1983. After returning to the Tarheel State, she established the Miss Western Piedmont Pageant which for many years was among the largest preliminaries in the Miss North Carolina Program. Dakeita will fund a $1500 grant for a 2023 Miss North Carolina Candidate who can demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit for long term economic growth and development opportunities.

THE DANA REASON QUALITY OF LIFE GRANT – $1,500

This award is sponsored by Dana Reason, Miss North Carolina 2003, who not only won this award at the state level but placed second out of the entire nation at Miss America 2004 for her community service platform. Through her body of work, Dana has been a policy advocate, succeeded in the passing of pediatric cancer legislation and has committed her professional career to related initiatives. This grant will be awarded to the individual who demonstrates through application and private interview their ongoing commitment to community service now and in the future.

DANA STEPHENSON DIXON WOMAN ON CRUSADE – $1,500

Competing for and winning the title of Miss North Carolina 1994, Dana Stephenson Dixon dedicated her platform to CRUSADE, a project focused on bringing together communities to fight drug and alcohol abuse through volunteerism and advocacy. In that spirit Dana is sponsoring this grant which seeks out young women who are focused on improving the health and welfare of their community. Applicants should demonstrate the problem they have and will continue to address, how they plan to bring a community together to solve the issues and what the benefits will be through consistent volunteerism and advocacy. 

ERIC ENNIS ENDOWED MUSIC GRANT – $2,500

This grant was established under the Will of Eric Ennis and is funded by an endowment from his estate.  Eric studied music at ECU, earned a master’s degree in opera at the University of Michigan and was a member of the United States Army Chorus having performed at the White House many times. He began his career singing opera in New York before finding his true talent as a gown designer. For more than 50 years he was one of the preeminent clothing designers in the Miss America Program having dressed a dozen or so Miss Americas and an untold number of young women competing in the Miss North Carolina Program. Class of 2023 candidates who are pursuing a degree in music or have received a degree in music and are actively pursuing a music career are eligible to apply for this grant. A 90-second video performance is required as part of this application.

THE GLASS CEILING GRANT BY EMILY MUSE – $1,500

The Glass Ceiling Grant is awarded to a Miss North Carolina candidate who is boldly breaking the mold in her chosen field. This scholarship honors women who have pursued paths less traveled and those who step into industries where they are underrepresented, challenge expectations, and refuse to be limited by traditional roles. Whether in STEM, skilled trades, sports, the military, or other unconventional spaces, this recipient exemplifies courage, leadership, grit, and vision. This grant celebrates women who dare to do something out of the ordinary in order to become someone extraordinary, and who are paving the way for future generations to rise higher because of the ceilings they’ve shattered.

HAROLD GARNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,000

In memory of longtime Miss America volunteer Harold Garner, his community has created this scholarship to honor a man who lived his life selflessly and to be the best leader he could be, dreaming big and knowing every single contribution can add up to a big impact. Applicants for this scholarship should exemplify the following qualities: leadership skills, love of public speaking, passion for fundraising, an executor of big ideas, a hometown helper and a young woman who is unapologetically herself in every part of her life.

JANET WARD BLACK WORLD CHANGER GRANT – $1,000

The first Benefactor Designated Grant, the World Changer scholastic award, was established in 2014 by Ward Black Law, founded by Janet Ward Black, Miss North Carolina 1980. Janet Ward is a graduate of Davidson College and Duke University School of Law. A very prominent attorney and recognized leader in the North Carolina legal community, she served as President of the North Carolina Bar Association and the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. Her law firm’s mission statement was to “seek justice, give generously, love lavishly”. In November 2025, we lost Janet Ward yet her legacy of generosity and compassion for others through faithful volunteerism lives on with this award. This scholarship is given to a candidate who can demonstrate her vision of how she could improve the world through non-profits or business endeavors. The funds may be used to help accomplish this recipient’s vision through continued education.

JANICE BARBEE NORTH CAROLINA ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT GRANT – $1,000

For more than 40 years Janice Barbee has been a high school guidance counselor and has advised thousands of students on career and school choices. She will fund a $1000 grant in honor of someone who presents a record of academic excellence. Since 1945, the Miss America organization has established itself as one of the earliest scholarship resources to ensure higher education opportunities for women. North Carolina takes pride in not only those who achieve education goals, but also those who reach top honors in academics. This award will recognize a young woman who most exemplifies academic excellence. It takes a unique individual who not only recognizes the value of education but also strives with dedication and commitment to exceed expectations. Applicants for this grant should demonstrate the character traits they developed to achieve academic excellence and how they will apply the lessons learned to reach career and personal goals in the future. The application must include high school and college GPA, noting any scholastic awards, research projects, papers or other evidence of academic accomplishments.

JULIE CAUDLE FIELDS PUBLIC SERVICE GRANT – $1,000

The Public Service grant was established in 2018 and is funded by Julie Caudle Fields, retired Director of Planning and Development for the City of Asheville. A Duke University honors graduate, with a law degree and Master’s in City and Regional Planning from UNC-CH, Julie is an alumna of the Miss North Carolina Program. She was a Top Ten contender as Miss Thomasville, and 4th Runner-Up to Miss North Carolina and Miss Congeniality as Miss Durham. Preference will be given to a candidate with a specific interest in government service.

KAROLYN D. MARTIN LIFESTYLE IN SPORTS GRANT – $1,000

With a lifestyle enriched by focusing on the benefits of sports and wellbeing, an anonymous donor has created this grant in honor of Karolyn D. Martin, Miss North Carolina 2022. Karolyn played volleyball competitively for over ten years and continues to participate recreationally. Her community service initiative, #SelfKare: Eat to Success, serves to promote nutrition while taking the focus off of weight and appearance. During her time in the Miss NC Scholarship Organization, she published a cookbook, hosted national wellness summits, and partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture’s “Team Nutrition” school program. This award is open to applicants who can speak to the benefits they have experienced being involved in sports and/or are pursuing a sports-related career field. Applicants must demonstrate what they have learned to care for their mind, body and spirit through sports and which lessons they will carry through life as they continue to excel personally and professionally. Applicants should speak to at least two of the following attributes in their statement: Leadership, Discipline, Resilience, Teamwork. This grant is limited to non-dancing athletics.

KAY DICKINSON TEACHING GRANT – $1,500

The Kay Dickinson Teaching grant was established by McNeil and Sandra Chestnut to honor Kay Dickinson, a legendary elementary school teacher and Chief Hostess Emeritus for the Miss North Competition for over 45 years. Kay was selected by Governor Mike Easley for membership in the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council of Governments for her commitment to public education. Initially funded at $1500, This year Logan Freeman of the Miss North Carolina Class of 2017 and recipient of this award, and her mother, Regina Wells Freeman, are matching that amount in order to thank Kay for her mentorship and to invest in public education in the State. Candidates who are actively pursuing a degree in education, or who are currently teaching in the North Carolina public schools, may apply for this grant.

THE LANE RAGSDALE LOVE AND LIGHT GRANT – $1,000

Lane was an accomplished member of the community with longtime professional experience in the fields of Education, Finance and ultimately in Marketing for the North Carolina Zoological Park. His heart for entertainment is where he truly let his light shine. Lane’s prowess as a singer, actor, emcee and storied cabaret producer is known throughout the state. His creative expertise was only surpassed by his gift for storytelling, impersonations and a phenomenal sense of comedic timing. Most of all, Lane is remembered for his commitment to the Miss North Carolina Pageant family as exhibited by 50 years of volunteer service. Lane is legendary in these circles and is respected and admired dearly by the pageant community. The Love and Light grant will honor the life of Lane Ragsdale. Applicants will be called upon to demonstrate a body of work that exemplifies passion, commitment and inclusion.

THE LAURA RYAN FINANCIAL LITERACY GRANT – $1,000

Laura Ryan and her husband, Forrest Ryan, are proud to fund this $1,000 scholarship in honor of the belief that financial knowledge is one of the most powerful tools a woman can carry with her into her career, her community, and her life. As Miss North Carolina 2018, Laura made financial literacy the cornerstone of her platform, meeting people where they were and inspiring them to take ownership of their financial futures. Not because they had all the answers, but because they were willing to start asking the right questions. This scholarship carries that spirit forward. The Laura Ryan Financial Literacy Scholarship is designed to celebrate women who are curious, motivated, and passionate about the role that financial well-being plays in building a more equitable world. No background in finance is required, only a genuine desire to learn, grow, and lift others along the way. The ideal recipient is someone who 1) believes that financial empowerment matters, for herself and for the people around her; 2) has taken steps, however small, to learn about personal finance or share that knowledge with others; 3) demonstrates resilience, initiative, and a willingness to grow; 5) brings a unique perspective, background, or life experience that shapes the way she thinks about financial well-being; 6) has a vision for how she can use her platform to inspire others. This scholarship is not about being a financial expert. It’s about being someone who sees the value in financial literacy and is ready to be a voice for it.

MARIA BEALE FLETCHER DANCE GRANT – $1,000

North Carolina culture and tradition are steeped in dance history beginning with the birth of clogging in the NC mountains. Miss NC audiences have been entertained for decades by great dancers across the state. The Miss North Carolina Sisterhood proudly boasts quite a few accomplished dancers including our Miss America 1962 Maria Beale Fletcher, already an accomplished professional dancer with the Radio City Rockettes when she won the Miss America title. The Miss NC Sisterhood will fund this $1000 grant in honor of Maria and in recognition of the rich history of accomplished dancers who grace the Miss NC stage. Applicants who are dancing for their talent should include in their essay any forms of dance they have studied as well as share the benefits and impact of dance on their lives. Applicants will be required to submit a 90 second video as part of the application.

MCNEIL CHESTNUT LEGACY GRANT – $2,500

For more than 50 years, McNeil Chestnut has devoted himself to the Miss North Carolina Program and its scholarship mission. He founded the North Carolina Educational Scholarship Fund, Inc. (NCESF), an independent nonprofit that has raised more than $1.3 million and awarded over 1,000 scholarships to young women across the state. NCESF was the first fund of its kind recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt scholarship organization supporting pageant competition. In recognition of his decades of service—celebrated at the 2025 Miss North Carolina Competition and the Miss America Breakfast of Champions—friends and family established the McNeil Chestnut Legacy Fund to provide an annual scholarship grant selected by McNeil. An attorney, McNeil served as Chief Financial Lawyer for the Office of the North Carolina Attorney General and as an adjunct professor at Campbell University School of Law. He authored more than 75 statutory changes addressing financial law in North Carolina, six of which became model laws adopted nationwide. Reflecting his lifelong commitment to public service and principled advocacy, this scholarship award recognizes a candidate who demonstrates academic excellence in law, government, or related studies and a strong record of civic engagement. The recipient will exemplify a willingness to participate in public discourse, take principled positions, and contribute to a more transparent and engaged community.

PIVOT TO PURPOSE GRANT BY LOGAN FREEMAN SMITH – $1,500

The Pivot to Purpose Grant reflects Smith’s own academic and professional journey, which included changing majors and transferring institutions during both her undergraduate and graduate studies. She ultimately earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2015 and her master’s degree from Louisiana State University in 2021. Pivot to purpose recognizes delegates whose educational journeys have not followed a traditional or linear path, but have intentionally pivoted in a way that clarified their goals, strengthened their purpose, and shaped their long-term aspirations. Through this scholarship award, Logan hopes to affirm that intentional educational pivots are not setbacks, but meaningful steps toward long-term success.

THE ROB AND MICHELLE GREGORY STEM GRANT – $1,500

Rob and Michelle Gregory believe in the power of education to shape futures and change lives. As dedicated high school educators—Michelle in mathematics and Rob in social studies — they have spent their careers helping students reach their full potential. They understand firsthand the impact that passionate educators and STEM professionals can have on the world. This grant is designed to support those who share that vision — students who are committed to careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) and who strive to make a meaningful difference in their communities. Those who share that vision are invited to apply for this award.

SMITHFIELD AGRIBUSINESS GRANT – $1,000

This grant was established in 2017 and is funded by Smithfield Foods, one of North Carolina’s leading agricultural enterprises, to honor a candidate from an agricultural background, including parents or grandparents who are farmers. The application must show work experience in an agriculture related field, an agricultural course of study or family involvement in farming. Preference will be given to a candidate who has a direct link to the swine industry.

VICTORIA BASKETT HEALTHCARE IMPACT GRANT – $1,000

The Healthcare Impact grant was established by Victoria Baskett in 2017. Victoria’s grant is funded by the Victoria Baskett Patient Safety Foundation, and will be awarded to a candidate pursuing studies in the field of healthcare. As a Miss North Carolina Program alumna, she held the titles of Miss Greater Cape Fear, Miss Goldsboro and Miss Fayetteville and was awarded the Miss America Community Service Award and was a two-time top ten contender at the state competition. Victoria completed her undergraduate degree at UNC Chapel Hill, where she also earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration. She is an internationally renowned advocate for patient safety and holds several healthcare performance improvement credentials. Victoria is a Managing Director at PG Forsta, an international healthcare company, where she works on client management, growth and strategy.

VICTORIA HUGGINS SPIRIT OF SERVICE GRANT – $1,000

A grant was established in 2019 and is being funded by an anonymous donor in honor of Victoria Huggins, Miss North Carolina 2017, the 80th Queen of the Tarheel State. The benefactor has provided that the award recipient must “exemplify a joyful spirit of style and service that reflects her commitment to her community and the greater good of the State of North Carolina.”

NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY SERVICE IMPACT GRANTS – $1,000 (2)

An anonymous benefactor has donated a $2000 contribution with which to fund tw0 Community Service Impact grants at $1000 each. An independent review panel will consider an applicant’s quality and extent of community service provided. Applicants should show the amount of fund raising, if any, as well as the number of hours of community service and the results of any projects or initiatives.

NORTH CAROLINA TEEN ALUMNI GRANT – $1,000

The Miss America Teen competition is a vital part of the Miss North Carolina Scholarship Organization. To recognize and incentivize young women to continue their Miss America journey from the Teen to the Miss division, this $1000 grant was first created by The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Organization to honor McKenzie Jade, who made history as the first Miss North Carolina Outstanding Teen 2011 to become Miss North Carolina 2016. As a successful business owner and longtime pageant sponsor, McKenzie is now sponsoring this award. Any delegate who has competed in a Miss America teen local preliminary is eligible for this grant upon providing a signed contract from that local competition. The winner will be randomly selected and announced at the NCESF Awards event. Applicants only need to submit a resume and teen contract for this grant.