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Mia Paniagua competes on stage at the national Miss High School America Pageant in Little Rock, Arkansas, July 4 – 5.

Mia Paniagua (right) meets the mayor alongside fellow competitors at the White Party during the Miss High School America Pageant in Little Rock, Arkansas, July 4 – 5.

Mia Paniagua displays her High School Color Photogenic Award and Top 5 Community Service Award at the awards banquet during the national Miss High School America Pageant in Little Rock, Arkansas, July 3.

Mia Paniagua, a local student and reigning Miss North Carolina High School America 2024, recently represented her state at the national Miss High School America Pageant in Little Rock, Arkansas, July 4 – 5. Out of 52 competitors, Paniagua finished in the Top 16, earning several awards and scholarships along the way.

“The pageant taught me the importance of maintaining a strong mental mindset,” said Paniagua. “At the end of the day, it’s three judges’ opinions. If I wasn’t what they were looking for, that’s okay.”

Paniagua, who has been involved in pageantry since she was five, highlighted the friendships and connections she made during the week-long event. She also enjoyed participating in activities like Topgolf and meeting the mayor of Little Rock, though she missed her traditional Fourth of July celebrations back home.

Her performance at the national pageant earned her the High School Color Photogenic Award for her headshot and a spot in the Top 5 for the High School Community Service Award. Additionally, she received a $4,000 scholarship from High Point University, adding to the $40,000 scholarship she won at the state level.

“Being recognized for my community service efforts was a highlight,” said Paniagua. “It was a testament to the work I’ve done and will continue to do.”

With six months remaining in her reign as Miss North Carolina High School America, Paniagua is aiming to increase North Carolina’s representation for future pageants by recruiting new participants.

“Last year, I brought six girls from my hometown to compete at states,” explained Paniagua. “This year, I want to bring even more.”

Paniagua also continues her work with the B.R.A.V.E. anti-bullying campaign and her mentorship program, Certified Bestie. She plans to expand the program nationwide and reach out to schools, especially those on military bases, to promote positive friendships and anti-bullying messages.

Looking ahead, Paniagua hopes to compete for the Miss Collegiate America title, with the ultimate goal of holding all three titles – junior high, high school and collegiate.

“I want to represent North Carolina at every level,” said Paniagua, who has held both the Miss North Carolina Junior High School and Miss North Carolina High School America titles.

As Paniagua continues to inspire young girls in her community, she remains committed to her personal and philanthropic goals. Her journey may have had its challenges, but her resilience and determination shine brightly, embodying the spirit of a true role model.

“I’ve lost more pageants than I have won, and I believe that’s what makes me stronger,” said Paniagua. “Without that failure, you don’t have the grit and drive to work harder.”

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