Johnston County native Grayson Johnson, 21, was crowned the 40th Miss Johnston County on Saturday at Cleveland High School. Johnson will now advance to compete in the Miss North Carolina Competition, which will take place in High Point from June 25-28, 2025.
During the competition, Johnson promoted her community service initiative, “The H.O.P.E. Project,” which focuses on educating the community about the drug crisis in the United States and advocating for recovery. On stage, Johnson stated, “Education is at the center of my mission. I will share my sister’s story and show that addiction does not discriminate.”
In addition to winning the title, Johnson earned the Overall Talent Award for her clogging performance to Billie Jean by Michael Jackson. She was also awarded the Overall Evening Gown Award.
A graduate of North Carolina State University (Class of 2024), Johnson will begin law school in the fall. She previously graduated from South Johnston High School in 2022. She was awarded a $1,000 scholarship through the Miss Johnston County Organization to support her educational goals.
“This title is more than a crown—it’s a platform to create real change,” Johnson said. “Johnston County is a big part of who I am and has shaped me into the woman I am today. Now, I have the opportunity to give back. It is a dream to wear ‘Johnston County’ across my chest on the Miss North Carolina stage and to represent not just myself, but the community that has given me so much. As Miss Johnston County, I want to amplify the voices of those struggling with addiction, break the stigma, and bring hope to families who need it most.”
Johnson is the daughter of Dana Johnson and Stanley Johnson of Four Oaks.
