Princeton High Student Wins Inaugural Essence Of Ava Scholarship Pageant

SMITHFIELD – Princeton High School junior Emma Marie Daughtry has been named the first Miss Downtown Smithfield and winner of the inaugural Essence of Ava Scholarship.

Daughtry received a $1,000 educational scholarship through the new pageant, organized by the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation and the Ava Gardner Museum.

The program was created to recognize young women from Johnston County while drawing inspiration from the life and legacy of Johnston County native Ava Gardner.

Daughtry performed a clogging routine during the talent portion of the pageant.

She also has a personal connection to Gardner’s Johnston County roots. Daughtry grew up along Brogden Road, the same area where Gardner spent part of her childhood.

“Ava Gardner never forgot where she came from, and Emma embodies that exact spirit of small-town pride and drive,” Pageant Director Helen Caloz said.

Daughtry plans to use the scholarship toward a career in healthcare and hopes to attend Wayne Community College’s Dental Hygiene program.

She has volunteered at local dental offices since the eighth grade.

At Princeton High School, Daughtry serves as historian on the Senior Slate of the school’s FFA chapter and also volunteers through food and fellowship programs at Bizzell Grove Church.

“Though my passion is not under a stage light in Hollywood, I plan to forge my own path within Johnston County and shine the spotlight on the patients I will serve,” Daughtry said. “To me, community means the place you live, love, and serve. I am honored to use this title to give back to the town and county that raised me.”

As Miss Downtown Smithfield, Daughtry is expected to participate in community events during the coming year.

Her platform will include work with the Johnston County and Smithfield firefighters associations. Her father, Jeremy Daughtry, serves as Smithfield Fire Chief.

Organizers plan to continue the Essence of Ava Pageant in future years and offer additional scholarship opportunities for high school students in Johnston County.