Ashlynn Marie Batts of Greensboro, N.C., was crowned Miss Randolph County’s Teen 2027 on Oct. 10, 2026, at Eastern Randolph High School in Ramseur, N.C.
Batts takes the title with a community service initiative built on the premise that small gestures travel further than their size suggests. Graceful Givings grew out of what she describes as a long-standing pull toward helping people, and the same thread — faith expressed as everyday kindness — runs through her talent and her answers about why she competes.
“I started Graceful Givings because I’ve always had a heart for helping others, and nothing makes me happier than seeing the smiles that come from giving back through my CSI,” Batts said. “I want to share God’s grace by serving others, spreading kindness, and reminding everyone that they are seen and valued no matter their circumstances.”
Batts is homeschooled and in the ninth grade. In the talent category she performs a lyrical dance to “Rise Up” by Andra Day, a song she chose for what it says about finding strength no matter how difficult life becomes; she credits her faith with teaching her to keep moving forward through hard moments of her own. Her academic plan runs toward beauty and business: she wants to finish high school with an associate degree and open her own cosmetology business.
One service moment she returns to is placing prayer cards on vehicles at Duke Hospital, thinking of drivers who might be facing one of the hardest days of their lives. “I hoped that a simple prayer and a few encouraging words could remind them they weren’t alone,” Batts said. “It showed me that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference.”
Batts does not list a previous title in the Miss America Opportunity. By her own account she competed in six preliminaries last season and came away with a fitness award, a talent award and a gown award, and she counts the sisterhood among her favorite parts of it. “I’ve learned that hard work, dedication, and believing in yourself can take you so far,” she said.
Away from the stage, Batts describes herself as a huge animal lover who likes stepping outside her comfort zone and trying new things. “I currently have five cats and one dog, but I have had the joy of caring for many other animals over the years,” she said. She is also learning sign language, in her words, “so I can connect and communicate with even more people.”
Batts will represent Randolph County at the Miss North Carolina’s Teen competition in High Point in June 2027.
Batts can be followed on Instagram at @missrandolphcountysteen_nc.
