2010 Azalea Festival Princess Pageant
 

Abbey Starling, a senior from Coastal Christian High School, was crowned the 2010 NC Azalea Festival Princess during the 62nd Annual NC Azalea Festival Princess Pageant on Saturday, March 6th. The event was held at Kenan Auditorium on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.



Abbey is the daughter of Jeffrey and Paula Starling. She and her court were selected from among 21 contestants representing 7 area high schools. The court members include the following: 1st Runner-Up from John T. Hoggard High School, Geena Davis, 2nd Runner-Up, from Topsail High School, Kayla Smith, 3rd Runner-Up, from John T. Hoggard High School, Alex Miller, and 4th Runner-Up, from E.A. Laney, Jessica James.

Abbey participates in numerous school activities. She is the recipient of the AP Language and Composition Award, as well as the Drama Department Award and MVP Cheer Award. Abbey is a member of the Varsity Girls’ Soccer Team and is Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading squad. She is co-founder and President of the Culture Club and is Vice President of the Student Body. Abbey is active in her church, performing with the praise band and the drama department for the past 3 years. She also has obtained over 130 volunteer hours during her high school years. Abbey enjoys playing the piano and poetry. Abbey plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and double major in English and Religion and minor in Theatre.

Senior girls from area high schools compete for the title based on a private interview with judges, evening gown competition and on-stage presentation. BB&T and the Azalea Festival Youth Committee (AFYC) sponsor the NC Azalea Festival Princess. The Princess is the recipient of the Beverly Anne Jurgensen Scholarship Award, named after the beloved Past President of the NC Azalea Festival. AFYC conducts fundraisers year-round to obtain proceeds for the annual event and to present the pageant.
 

2010 Princess Court Members

Member Name	School
Geena Davis	John T. Hoggard High	1st Runner Up
Kayla Smith	Topsail High	2nd Runner Up
Alex Miller	John T. Hoggard High	3rd Runner Up
Jessica James	E.A. Laney High	4th Runner Up
Princess Court Members, from left to right: Jessica James, Kayla Smith, Abbey Starling, Geena Davis, Alex Miller

The Azalea Festival Youth Committee membership is made up of high school students, two adult advisors and one UNCW student who is a former AFYC member. This committee raises funds, through numerous activities throughout the year, to produce the Azalea Festival Princess Scholarship Program. For more information, please visit our Youth Activities, Scholarship or Past Princess Scholarship web page.