Thank you so much for (The Pilot’s) wonderful coverage of all the Moore County contestants in the Miss North Carolina Pageant. Each of us worked incredibly hard to prepare for the competition, and it means a lot to know we have our county’s support.

I want to thank the many people who assisted me along the way. First and foremost, thank you to my parents for believing in me, listening to my complaints, comforting me, and for making me feel like a princess before I ever put on a crown.

Thank you to Emmitt and Ute at Matchbox Cigars for my support page in the program book. Also, thank you to Valet Cleaners, who ensured that my evening gown remained wrinkle-free when I came to them in a panic the day before I left for Raleigh.

Thank you to Nature’s Own, Dugan’s Pub, The Laser Institute of Pinehurst, and The Wine Cellar for contributing to a silent auction basket.

Also, thank you to everyone in Moore County who supported my art supply drive, including Moore County Schools, Pinehurst and Carthage Rotary Clubs, and churches across the county. Thank you to Cameron Baptist Church for helping me raise money for Children’s Miracle Network.

Thank you, Nutrishop of Southern Pines, for helping me get in the best shape possible for the swimsuit competition, and thank you, Fred Astaire, for teaching me to dance. Thank Melissa, from Cheveux, for making my hair and makeup perfect for each night of competition.

Finally, thank you to all of my friends and family members for sending words of encouragement during pageant week and for helping support me along the way.

It was a long, tiring, and exciting week but I came away with so much more than I ever expected.

Summer Hennings

Miss Moore County 2012