Miss Forsyth County

Miss Forsyth County Reanna Ruark will be in the running for Miss North Carolina, competing in a live pageant in February.
Ruark grew up and lives in Belews Creek. Although she has done some modeling for local boutiques in the area, this is the first time she has participated in a pageant.
“I’m looking forward to using my passions and previous modeling experiences to be a new and exciting representation of Forsyth County,” she said. “I am constantly looking for new connections that can broaden my modeling experience. Modeling has allowed me to represent local businesses, build my self-confidence, and expand my passions.”
While she has always been interested in participating in pageants, Ruark said she never felt like it was the right time until this past fall.
“All my life, I have been the type to take on new experiences as they come. This past fall, I went to pick out a dress for my boyfriend’s racing banquet at McKenzie Jade’s Pageant, Prom & Bridal shop in Concord. Some of the staff encouraged me to do a pageant and this is where I found RPM Productions,” she said. “After having the conversation about pageants with the girls at McKenzie Jade’s Pageant, Prom & Bridal shop, I began to seriously pursue next steps towards running for Miss North Carolina USA. I was able to apply directly to the state pageant, despite not having any previous pageant experiences. I was given the title Miss Forsyth County USA 2023, and will represent Forsyth County in the 2023 Miss North Carolina USA Pageant.”
Ruark said she felt like this past fall was the perfect time to pursue pageants since she has more recently been paying closer attention to her own passions in life.
“Although it may be the untraditional route, I think I have the ability to bring a fresh perspective to the pageant scene with Miss North Carolina USA 2023 being my first one,” she said. “It was humbling to have someone approach me and ask if I ever considered running in pageants. That one conversation instilled hope in me and sparked this big adventure.”
To apply to become a contestant, Ruark said she sent in an application to RPM Productions and shortly after received an email that she had been accepted to participate in the February 2023 pageant.
“Since being accepted, there is a long to-do list of things to prepare for the pageant. A couple of these things include headshots and other photo opportunities, selecting my wardrobe for the pageant, and making local connections that can eventually lead to sponsorships,” she shared. “This has been my recent focus for the past couple of months. I have been able to reach out to local businesses and gain their support for the upcoming pageant.”
As stated in the contestant manual, the judges are looking for the “total package” when it comes to the person who will be a good state representative at the Miss USA Pageant. The total package includes being physically fit with natural beauty in and out; having a warm and pleasant personality; a confident individual who is comfortable with themselves; an intelligent young woman who will be a positive role model; someone with confidence and determination; and someone with a desire to win.
Ruark added that the contestants are judged in three areas of the preliminary competition, including swimsuit, evening gown and interview. The competition will be held on Friday, February 24th at 7:30 p.m. The show will continue on Saturday, February 25 with a personal interview with the judges, rehearsals that afternoon and then a live final event and crowning of the new Miss North Carolina USA 2023.
For the competition, not only do the judges vote, but also the people.
“A People’s Choice Award will be given to the contestant who has the most votes online, and the winner of the People’s Choice Award is guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals,” she explained. “The contestant photos should be online about two weeks before the pageant. You can always support me by coming to the pageant or watching live online. Tickets go on sale January 6th.”
While contestants are not required to complete any community service hours, Ruark said they are strongly encouraged to do so.
“I volunteer with the 11/11 Veteran Project, which uses its national platform and extensive network to help clients reach strategic business goals while supporting organizations that provide access to resources for veterans and their families,” she said. “Our team of experts helps its recipients solve big picture problems with innovative thinking and unique campaigns.”
Through this project, Ruark said she has been able to see how veterans and their families are directly and positively impacted by the services the 11/11 Veteran Project offers.
“We are hopeful to encourage more individuals, families and communities as we grow,” she said.
In her role as Miss Forsyth, and going forward in the competition, Ruark said she hopes to be an inspiration to other women.
“I believe that my platform in Miss North Carolina USA has the ability to positively influence young women to stay true to themselves and be brave enough to chase after big dreams,” she said. “I am also hopeful that this experience will allow me to represent my local community and its businesses in addition to the 11/11 Veteran Project.”
Ruark said she is looking forward to many things about the pageant.
“I’m looking forward to making new friendships. And, of course, I’m looking forward to getting my hair and makeup done because as a kid that has always been something I have loved to do,” she said. “Ultimately, I am excited to be a part of a new experience that can challenge me and open me up to new potential opportunities.”
Ruark attended Wesleyan Christian Academy through her sophomore year until the COVID-19 pandemic. From there, she attended On Track School, an online homeschool program, and graduated early in April 2021.
Currently, Ruark is the assistant director of Showroom Design at Linon & Powell Furniture in High Point.
“Right out of high school, I pursued real estate until I realized I was more passionate about decorating the inside of homes more than selling houses themselves,” she said. “One of my lifelong dreams has been to flip houses and I am a firm believer that the Lord is guiding me in that direction because He has opened the right doors to new opportunities.”
Along with volunteering and preparing for her first pageant, in her spare time, Ruark said she also enjoys mountain biking.
“Downhill is my favorite, so my boyfriend and I make the drive a lot to Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia when the mountain bike park is open,” she said. “I also enjoy taking on new house projects as I grow my experience in interior design.”
Ruark said she is thankful for the support of her family through her new journey.
“There isn’t a day that goes by that one of them doesn’t encourage me,” she remarked. “They are constantly reminding me of upcoming due dates and making connections on my behalf. They are for sure all my biggest fans.”
To watch Ruark during the Miss North Carolina USA 2023 Competition on February 25, visit pageantslive.com.
Ruark’s current sponsors include Caudill’s Electric, Ellington Jewelers, Clifton Plumbing, Accent Prone, Genevieve Aesthetics, 11/11 Veteran Project, Emrys Properties, Sunless Body, Kernersville Lashes, T Wayne Fitness, Hip Chics Boutique, Clean Eatz of Winston-Salem, and Pierce-Jefferson Funeral and Cremation Services.
If interested in sponsoring Ruark, contact her at reannaruarkpageant@gmail.com. You can also follow Ruark on Instagram @reannaraeruark.
To learn more about the 11/11 Veteran Project, visit www.111veteranproject.com.