In 2008, her clogging talent earned her another pageant title, Miss South Carolina Clogger. The pageant format was similar to that of a traditional beauty competition, but all contestants were required to perform a clogging routine.
On Saturday, Caroline will compete at the state level as she vies for the title of Miss Teen Kentucky at the Crowne Plaza in Louisville at 7 p.m. The competition includes semi-formal, evening gown and interview categories.
Caroline said that the interview makes her the most nervous, though she isn’t allowing herself to stress much over it.
“I don’t really get nervous that easily,” Caroline said, though she did admit that “there’s going to be a lot of girls, so I guess I am.”
With the fair pageant experience under her belt, Caroline said she would like to try more pageants in the future, regardless of Saturday’s outcome.
“This has shown me that I can win. Now that I have the ability and the confidence, I should use it,” Caroline said.
Hillary Thomas is no stranger to the pageant circuit. In 2008 and 2009, the 12-year-old competed in the state pre-teen pageant, including a top 15 finish last year.
This weekend, the 2010 Young Miss Clark County is hoping for another strong finish at state. The pre-teen pageant will be held in Louisville Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, with interviews conducted tonight.
“They’re fun, and you get to meet a lot of new people,” Hillary said.
She feels confident about her ability to do well this year, citing her previous experience and being at the upper end of the age limit.
“Normally, the older girls tend to win,” Hillary said. This year will be the last time Hillary is eligible to compete in the pre-teen division.
Past pageant titles include Morgan County Pre-Teen, Montgomery County Pre-Teen, Estill County Harvest Queen, Powell County Pre-Teen and Little Miss Clark County.
Hillary began pageants when she was 2-years-old and has been competing ever since. She credits last year’s high placement at the state pageant to her strong interview skills.
“I had a lot of confidence and a lot of fun. I felt like I could really relate to the judges,” Hillary said.
She plans to practice for this year’s interview on the car ride to Louisville with her mom. Hillary said that she doesn’t do a lot to prepare for pageants, other than shopping for new outfits.
Besides pageants, Hillary enjoys cheerleading for Clark Middle School, eating, spending time with friends and riding four-wheelers. She is the daughter of Todd and Stephanie Thomas.
Contact Rachel Parsons at rparsons@winchestersun.com.
