CFNN Reporter Kennedi Brown

The Miss Cape Fear High School pageant is a beloved tradition not only for our school, but our community as well. It is a special opportunity to showcase the beauty, intelligence, and poise of the amazing girls competing. We’re happy to bring this tradition back to Colt Country on Friday February 21st, 2025! 

Miss Cape Fear includes five phases of competition. A 5-minute private interview with the esteemed panel of judges, opening number, casual wear, evening gown, and on-stage question. The pageant is organized by former Miss Cape Fear High School 1996 and Miss North Carolina, Brooke Mclaurin Autry, as well as Wendy Snow. Their constant hard work and dedication can’t go without recognition; they are truly the best! 

The pageant consists of 10 amazing well rounded individuals, any of whom, if chosen, would represent Cape Fear beautifully. Here are the contestants in number order: 

1. Brianna Birdlow
2. Promise Black
3. Aubree Jaelyn Maynard
4. Alissa Fulgum
5. Alexus Jones
6. Rachel Leonard
7. Abbikate Daughtry
8. Diana Casianos 
9. Jaycie Bullard
10. Kinley West

“I’m super excited to be able to experience a tradition I grew up watching and admiring since I was little first hand and showcase my love for CF. The experience and friendships you gain out of weeks leading up to the pageant are the best part of it all.” contestant Rachel Leonard exclaimed. When asked what she is excited for, Rachel says. “I can’t wait to see who represents CF for the upcoming school year, every contestant is just as worthy of winning this title and representing the best school in the county!”

“I am so excited to spend time with the amazing group of young ladies that are also competing. Miss Cape Fear is something that every girl should experience at least once before leaving high school,” Alexus Jones says when asked what she’s excited for. “This year I am looking forward to gaining the title but even if I don’t, I’ll be happy knowing that I’ve grown as a person and that I’ve met some wonderful people.”

These ladies will compete for the title of Miss Cape Fear to not only represent their school, but community as well. 

Reigning Miss Cape Fear, Kennedi Kate Brown, has been the definition of beauty and grace this past year. She has had the opportunity to serve her community by visiting numerous elementary schools in the district, volunteering at community events such as the Falcon’s Children’s Home Christmas Party, speaking at each freshman orientation session, and so much more. 

“To have the opportunity to serve Cape Fear this past year has been one of my greatest honors of my high school career. I doubted if I could ever achieve this dream of mine, but I’m eternally grateful for the year I was blessed with,” said Brown. “My favorite appearance as Miss CF is most definitely any elementary school visit. To see the future generations eager to learn and give back to our community as well as showcase my pride for the best school in the county has been a privilege.” 

With being in the contestants’ shoes close to a year ago, Kennedi’s advice to those competing is, “To be authentically yourself. You never want an accomplishment won due to being someone other than exactly who you were born to be. You don’t need excessive amounts of stones, glitter, etc. to stand out, you just need a personality that shines bright and a heart to serve a community that gives so much in return. I wish each contestant the best of luck, and can’t wait to see who our future queen will be!” 

Cape Fear and the Cape Fear community are extremely proud of the year Kenned has had. We are sad to see such a well rounded individual go, but we know she has so many amazing endeavors before her, so we are wishing her the very best!

The mister and mistress of ceremonies for the event are former Cape Fear High School principal, Lee Sprull, and reigning Miss Cape Fear 2024, Kennedi Brown. The pageant will also have special entertainment from Brown and the Cape Fear Performance Dance Team. 

MIss Cape Fear 2025 will be a night to remember, you don’t want to miss it. We encourage you all to come support these wonderful ladies as they compete for such a great honor and thank Kennedi for her year of service. So be sure to be at the Cape Fear auditorium at 7pm on Friday February, 21st to see the fantastic pageant that has been put together!