CFNN Reporter Ava Beal

One of the highlights of the spring semester at Cape Fear is the annual Miss Cape Fear pageant. This is one of the longest standing traditions at Cape Fear High School. The pageant has been held since 1970. This past Saturday a new Miss Cape Fear was crowned.

The pageant was directed by Brooke Autry, who was Miss Cape Fear in 1996 and Miss North Carolina in 2005. Former principal Lee Spruil hosted the pageant as master of ceremonies. His co-host was last year’s Miss Cape Fear Ansley Wilkerson.

The pageant consisted of thirteen beautiful and brave young ladies. The pageant had multiple phases of competition, consisting of opening number, private interview, evening gown, casual wear, and on stage question for the lucky top five. During these phases of competition the judges are looking for confidence, public speaking skills, and school involvement.

Throughout the pageant there were many performances. Former Miss Cape Fear Ansley Wilkerson sang the National Anthem, Teralyn Harris sang “The Greatest Love Of All” by Whitney Houston, and Andre Portis sang “On My Own” from the Broadway production “Les Miserables.” Tiny Miss Cape Fear, Laney Tew, Performed an Acro dance number to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”

Ansley Wilkerson reigned beautifully during her year as Miss Cape Fear High School 2023. Ansley is currently a senior and an athlete here at Cape Fear. She had a wonderful year representing Colt Country, getting in the community, and just being a light for all of those around her.

“Ansley was very uplifting and supportive to every contestant that was competing,” said contestant Aubrey Manor.

Ansley did her final walk as Miss Cape Fear on Saturday evening. Cape Fear couldn’t be any prouder of her and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things she will do in the future.

Once Wilkerson was done with her final walk it was time for the main event of the night. As the audience eagerly awaited the finalists, the suspense was palpable. Fourth runner-up was Brianna Birdlow, third runner-up Mary Catherine Shook, second runner-up Aubree Maynard, and first runner-up was Marlee Gray. It was now time for the shining moment where Miss Cape Fear would be announced.

The newly crowned 2024 Miss Cape Fear High School is Kennedi Brown. Kennedi is currently a junior involved in many different clubs including Student Government Association, Beta Club, Colts for Christ, National Technical Honors Society, the Freshmen Mentor program and HOSA. She holds the position of SGA Executive Council Secretary and Beta Club Secretary.

Brown is one of the best dancers to walk through Cape Fear, being a two time All County dancer and a Cumberland County nominee for North Carolina Governor’s School dance program. Kennedi loves school and takes it very seriously, being an AP Capstone student, ranked 4th in the junior class with a 4.6 GPA.

Brown is a competitive dancer at Kerry’s Dance Beat. Brown also like to spend time with family and friends. She has a love for Mexican and Chinese food. Kennedi enjoys beach trips, where she loves laying out in the sun to tan. One of her favorite places in the whole world is DollyWood, probably because she shares a birthday with the queen herself. At Dollywood, she loves riding roller coasters and getting pina colada icees. To follow Kennedi’s year as Miss Cape Fear, you can keep up with her journey on instagram @misscfhs.

Again congratulations to your new Miss Cape Fear High, Kennedi Brown. We know you will do great things and we can’t wait to watch your year unfold.