I have always loved pageants. Growing up, I looked up to the local high school queens in my area and to the women who wore the title of Miss North Carolina. One titleholder who especially inspired me was Kate Peacock Smith. She was from my hometown, and seeing someone from a small town like mine go on to win such a prestigious title made me believe that maybe one day, I could too.
My own journey started in elementary school. I competed in my school pageant three times, placing first runner-up twice before finally winning the title of Junior Miss Midway on my third try. I loved everything that came with holding a title—the chance to represent my school, my community, and to share the experience with my sister queens. That was the moment I knew I was hooked.
Although I did not compete often after that, my love for pageantry never faded. The next pageant I entered was my high school pageant in 2022. Becoming Miss Midway High School had been a dream of mine for years. I started preparing long before the pageant even existed, buying my interview outfit in July of 2021 before I knew if there would be a competition that year. I took voice lessons, interview lessons, and truly believed I was ready.
When pageant night arrived in March of 2022, I walked in confident that I would leave with a crown. But I did not place at all.
To say I was heartbroken would be an understatement. But even disappointment could not take away my love for pageants.
My true Miss America Opportunity journey began in January of 2023 when I made a last-minute decision to compete in the Miss Johnston County/Cleveland pageant as a Teen contestant.
Kerrigan Brown had inspired me to compete. Once again, seeing someone from my hometown achieve success reminded me that dreams like this were possible.
There were around twenty teen contestants that year, including Hanley House, who later went on to win Miss North Carolina Teen and Miss America’s Teen. While I did not win that night, I walked away with something more important: a fire inside me to keep going.
The very next month, I entered my hometown pageant, Miss Spivey’s Corner/Dunn, as a Teen contestant. Winning that title and representing my hometown was all I had ever wanted. I performed much better than I had in the previous pageant, but once again, I did not walk away with a crown.
And strangely enough—I was okay.
Because I trusted that God’s plans were bigger than my disappointment.
That fall, I started college at Campbell University and believed my pageant chapter was over.
But in January of 2024, someone very special to me, Lindsay Creech, reached out and encouraged me to compete again because contestant numbers were low. It was the last day to submit paperwork, and with only two weeks to prepare, I signed up.
This time, I competed for the title I had dreamed of for years: Miss Spivey’s Corner.
again, I just knew I would be crowned.
When awards were announced, my name was called for Evening Gown. I was thrilled. Then moments later, I was named first runner-up.
Although disappointed, I still had peace.
Because if something is meant for you, no setback can stop it.
Once again, I said I was “done” with pageants.
Then January of 2025 came.
I signed up for Miss Spivey’s Corner/Dunn again—this time with my best friend. I competed for Miss Dunn while she competed for Miss Spivey’s Corner. Truthfully, I wanted to support her dream just as much as I cared about my own.
Pageant day came, and while I felt strong in interview and onstage, my name was not called as the winner.
Again.
And surprisingly, I was okay.
Because each loss had taught me confidence, resilience, grace, and trust.
Then came January of 2026.
My best friend and I attended another pageant, and like always, the pageant bug bit us again. We signed up one more time.
This year was different.
I no longer competed with desperation. I competed with gratitude.
I told myself that I would do my best, speak passionately, be confident in who Leah Culbreth is, and most importantly—have fun.
I left interview feeling amazing. After onstage competition, I felt relaxed and proud. For the first time, I knew that no matter what happened, I had already won because I was proud of myself.
Then crowning arrived.
“The new Miss Dunn is… contestant number two, Leah Culbreth!”
I immediately burst into tears.
After years of hoping, praying, losing, learning, and growing, my dream had finally come true. I was going to compete at Miss North Carolina representing my hometown.
And suddenly, every “no” made sense.
Every loss had prepared me for the right yes.
For the past two months as Miss Dunn, life has been nonstop.
Between nursing school, friendships, responsibilities, appearances, and preparing for Miss North Carolina, I have stayed busy—but I would not trade it for anything.
I am determined to give Dunn everything I have. I want to be present in my community, serve with purpose, and show people exactly who is representing them on the Miss North Carolina stage. My sister queens have made this experience even sweeter, and I am so grateful for each of them.
If my journey has taught me anything, it is this:
Never give up on a dream that truly matters to you.
There may be delays. There may be disappointment. There may be moments where you feel overlooked or forgotten.
But what is meant for you will come in the right season.
Trust God’s timing. Trust His plan. Keep working. Keep believing. Keep showing up.
Because your time will come too.
------
