Johna Edmonds, a graduate student in accounting, and Victoria Vesce, a junior in communication, have a lot in common. They have similar features, share similar goals and even wear similar crowns. Vesce was crowned Miss North Carolina, United States in April, and Edmonds was crowned Miss North Carolina of the Miss America organization in June.
The Miss North Carolina America pageant is divided into talent, interview, eveningwear and swimsuit portions. The Miss North Carolina, United States pageant includes similar sections themes, and
Both Edmonds and Vesce said these competitions have helped Edmonds and Vesce them further their education and careers.
“When I went through the recruiting process within the MAC program, I wasn’t afraid to go into a boardroom or an interview room because you have so much experience with that through pageants,” Edmonds said.
“It helps build a resume,” Vesce said. “When I’m looking for internships or jobs, they see that I’ve held this title, and that I have leadership and teamwork skills.”
Vesce competed for Miss United States in Washington, D.C., early this month, finishing as the second runner-up. Edmonds will compete for the Miss America title Sept. 10-15.
While both women represent North Carolina on the national stage—however, each pageant has it’s its own history and focus.
“The United States organization is more focused on community service and every title holder having a platform,” Vesce said.
“Miss America is the longest-running pageant,” Edmonds said. “They’re the leading provider of scholarships to young women. Every individual or titleholder has a platform, and then they also have a national platform.”
Platforms are causes or organizations that the titleholders support throughout the competition. Vesce worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and held a Triangle Fashion Trends runway show that supported local designers and businesses. Her efforts raised more than $4,000 for the organization.
Edmonds focused on literacy and is a board member on the HELPS Education fund, an organization started founded by N.C. State associate professor of psychology John Begeny in 2010.
Edmonds said she grew up watching Miss America pageants and can remember wanting to be Miss America since she was three 3 years old.
“I would scream at the top of my lungs that I was going to be Miss America one day,” said Edmonds. “It was something I always wanted to do, but I knew that I wanted to for sure be Miss North Carolina.”
Edmonds has worked towards toward her dream since her first pageant at age 12. This year was her third time entering the Miss North Carolina pageant.
“A lot of people told me ‘You’re starting the masters program. It’s time to get on with your career. You need to focus on school and let pageants be behind you,’” Edmonds said. “But I knew since I had one more year of eligibility if I didn’t give it one more chance I would always be like ‘What if?’”
Growing up, Vesce did not show an interest in pageantry. In contrast, Vesce had no interest in pageantry as a young girl. With two older brothers to look up to, she played basketball and described herself as a tomboy.
“They dressed me up in camo and ran me around the farm all the time,” said Vesce. “Going into pageants was stepping out of my comfort zone into another realm I’ve never been in before.”
Vesce entered her first pageant two years ago and has quickly worked her way to the national level.
“I never realized I’d get a crown one day, and it’s been an amazing experience,” Vesce said. “Any obstacle that would arise would just make me more confident in myself.”
Despite the difference in their titles and backgrounds, Vesce and Edmonds both said they have learned to how to set a positive example as representatives of North Carolina.
“Don’t ever give up no matter what people tell you,” said Edmonds. “If it’s truly a dream of yours then go for it.”
“Don’t ever let your crown down,” Vesce said.
