Princeton – Faith Marie Strickland, a student at Johnston Community College majoring in medical sonography, will compete for the Miss Teen 2017 title on March 19th in Rockhill, S.C.
Strickland, the daughter of Melisa and Jeffrey Holmes of Princeton, and grand-daughter of Marie and W.B. Wall of Selma, was selected to participate in the pageant after a review of her application and interview with a local pageant coordinator.
Strickland was born with a rare syndrome that left her without ears. She had 24 operations and is now able to hear with the help of a Bone Anchoring Hearing Aid.
“Competing helps me build self-confidence and helps me let people know that even though you have an impairment you don’t have to let that stop you from accomplishing what you want in life,” said the college freshman.
Two hundred girls out of 1,000 were selected to compete in three categories including interview, casual and evening wear. The pageant hosts four divisions for young women ages 7-20.
Strickland is not new to pageants, having competed in 2012 and 2014. She said she enjoys meeting new people and sharing her background with them.
If Strickland wins she’ll be awarded an all-expense paid trip to Orlando, Florida to compete at the next level.
The 2016 Neuse Charter School graduate is seeking sponsors to help her get to South Carolina. Sponsorship helps each contestant with travel and associated pageant fees and preparation.
“Representing my school and community means everything to me,” said Strickland. “I’m so proud to be from Johnston County and be able to share my hometown and message with girls from all over. It really is a dream come true to be able to compete at this level.”
Businesses, organizations or individuals interested in sponsoring Strickland may contact the Melisa Holmes at 919-625-7888.
