1st runner-up Miss Virginia USA 2017, 3rd runner-up 2016, Miss Virginia Teen USA 2013
A native of Asheville, Caelynn Miller-Keyes was crowned Miss North Carolina USA on 30 September 2017 and represented North Carolina at the Miss USA 2018 pageant in Shreveport, Louisiana. Caelynn was Miss Virginia Teen USA 2013 and a runner-up at Miss Virginia USA multiple times before she moved to North Carolina. She later became known as winner of The Bachelor, which she filmed near the end of her reign.
My name is Caelynn Miller-Keyes and I am Miss North Carolina USA 2018. I graduated from VCU with a Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. I am currently working at Windy Gap, a Young Life camp in Weaverville, where I am able to mentor young girls.
During my year as Miss North Carolina USA, I plan to visit several different children’s hospitals and sit with the patients and their parents. When I was two years old, I was diagnosed with encephalitis and my parents were told that I would likely pass away. The doctors prepared my parents for the worst, and told them if I did survive I would only have a ten percent chance of ever walking again. I hope my story and my recovery can inspire children and parents who feel hopeless. The power of prayer is real and I never want these children to give up hope.
My goal as Miss North Carolina USA is to continue improving Title IX policies for sexual assault survivors. I hope in sharing my story, I can inspire women and men to speak up for themselves if they experience any type of injustice.
I want to empower women across North Carolina to allow their voices to be heard and to learn the power forgiveness can have in a tough situation. Forgiveness allowed me to gain my power back and truly be able to heal. I hope to help others find this freedom for themselves during my year as Miss North Carolina USA. I am excited to compete at the Miss USA competition this summer and spread my message to a broader audience
The on-stage moments, the tension of the final two and the glory of the crowning, here are Caelynn’s state pageant photos.
Lights, camera, action! Professional photoshoots are one of the perks that comes from winning a title.
There’s nothing better than watching a contestant progress from year to year! Here’s a look back at Caelynn’s previous pageant photos.
Winning a state title is a sisterhood for life. Here are Caelynn’s “after the crown” photos.
