Samantha Holvey Interview
Miss North Carolina USA 2006
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss North Carolina USA pageant?
Growing up I was definitely not the girl ANYONE would have predicted as growing up to compete in Miss USA. I was always big for my age and never thought of myself as beautiful, but I had a dream and I knew I would always wonder ‘what if’ if I didn’t try at least once for the title of Miss North Carolina USA. Luckily once was enough.
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss North Carolina USA?
It was completely surreal. It’s been over three years and I’m not sure if it has ever sunk in. When you’ve wanted something so badly for so long, and others think it’s impossible, it’s hard to believe when it actually happens.
What would be your most memorable moment during your reign as Miss North Carolina USA?
The week after I came back from Miss USA without making the top 15 I was pretty bummed and felt like I had let a lot of people down, but I was scheduled to open the Summer Games for the NC Special Olympics and I never turned down an event. When I went into the ladies room to put on my crown and banner a young lady saw me and started screaming hysterically. I was scared because I thought she was having a seizure or something and I wasn’t sure what to do. But she started crying and telling me that she had prayed so hard the night before that she would get to meet Miss North Carolina USA. I think we answered each others prayers and I will never forget that moment.
You succeeded Chelsea Cooley who won Miss USA the previous year, did you feel pressured to place at Miss USA?
I don’t remember ever feeling pressured, but I did feel like I had let a lot of people down when I didn’t place.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
It was a very intense experience and we were there longer than any other group has ever been. We didn’t ever get much sleep and things were always stressful and crazy. One evening my roommate Melissa (Maryland) and I just cranked up our music and danced like idiots on our beds. This may seem stupid to some people, but sometimes you just need to rock out.
Will you compete in another pageant in the near future?
I’m pretty proud to say that the last pageant I ever competed in was Miss USA and I think I’ll keep it that way.
Growing up I was definitely not the girl ANYONE would have predicted as growing up to compete in Miss USA. I was always big for my age and never thought of myself as beautiful, but I had a dream and I knew I would always wonder ‘what if’ if I didn’t try at least once for the title of Miss North Carolina USA. Luckily once was enough.
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss North Carolina USA?
It was completely surreal. It’s been over three years and I’m not sure if it has ever sunk in. When you’ve wanted something so badly for so long, and others think it’s impossible, it’s hard to believe when it actually happens.
What would be your most memorable moment during your reign as Miss North Carolina USA?
The week after I came back from Miss USA without making the top 15 I was pretty bummed and felt like I had let a lot of people down, but I was scheduled to open the Summer Games for the NC Special Olympics and I never turned down an event. When I went into the ladies room to put on my crown and banner a young lady saw me and started screaming hysterically. I was scared because I thought she was having a seizure or something and I wasn’t sure what to do. But she started crying and telling me that she had prayed so hard the night before that she would get to meet Miss North Carolina USA. I think we answered each others prayers and I will never forget that moment.
You succeeded Chelsea Cooley who won Miss USA the previous year, did you feel pressured to place at Miss USA?
I don’t remember ever feeling pressured, but I did feel like I had let a lot of people down when I didn’t place.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
It was a very intense experience and we were there longer than any other group has ever been. We didn’t ever get much sleep and things were always stressful and crazy. One evening my roommate Melissa (Maryland) and I just cranked up our music and danced like idiots on our beds. This may seem stupid to some people, but sometimes you just need to rock out.
Will you compete in another pageant in the near future?
I’m pretty proud to say that the last pageant I ever competed in was Miss USA and I think I’ll keep it that way.