Wake, Johnston, and Harnett County teens honored at Juneteenth scholarship pageant

GARNER, N.C. (WNCN) — Teenagers in three central North Carolina counties were honored at the first Juneteenth scholarship pageant in the region, a nonprofit said Wednesday.

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The inaugural Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant was hosted by the Say Y.E.S. Foundation in Garner on June 13, according to the nonprofit.

The foundation said the event recognized teenagers in Wake, Johnston, and Harnett counties for dedication to leadership, service, and personal excellence. Scholarships were also awarded to support the teenagers’ educational goals.

At the end of the event, according to the foundation, Timothy Rouse was crowned 2026 Mr. Juneteenth and Kaleigh Hilliard was crowned Miss Juneteenth.

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According to the foundation, Shawn “Coco” McMillian, Kimberly Michelle, and The Gifted Arts performed at the pageant.

“This pageant was created to give our youth a platform to shine, lead, and understand that their dreams and contributions matter,” Say Y.E.S. Foundation President and Founder Natasia McLean said in a statement. “Juneteenth reminds us how far we’ve come and these young people remind us how bright our future can be.”

Pageant Director Karen McLean said in a statement, “We wanted every participant to walk away knowing they are seen, valued, and capable of making a difference. This experience was about building confidence, celebrating heritage, and investing in the leaders of tomorrow.”

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