Meet Carly Peeters, the new Miss Wendell 2026!

We’re so excited to introduce Carly Peeters, the newly crowned Miss Wendell 2026! She is from Honolulu, HI. She earned her title on October 18, 2025, and will represent her community on the Miss North Carolina stage in June 2026!

Let’s get to know her a little better!

Digital Spotlight interview with Carly Peeters

Q: Tell us a little about yourself!
A: I’m from Honolulu, HI. I completed my Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Currently, I am an MBA student at the Kenan-Flager Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill! I plan to concentrate in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Business Strategy. As an MBA student, I’m looking forward to learning how to be an effective leader and eventually use those skills to become a Director of Business Strategy and, eventually, a CEO.

Q: What inspired your Community Service Initiative?
A: My Community Service Initiative, Invest in Tomorrow: Personal Finance BASICs, focuses on Financial Literacy Education for all. As a local titleholder, I hope to expand Junior Achievement of Eastern North Carolina’s reach beyond Wake County and the surrounding counties. Additionally, I am working with legislators to improve financial literacy education opportunities across North Carolina and collaborate with Towns to host personal finance workshops and resource days for their citizens.

Q: What talent did you perform at your local competition?
A: I performed a vocal performance of “A Broken Wing” by Martina McBride. 

Q: Do you have any previous experience within the Miss America Opportunity?
A: Previously, I have held the title of Miss Sandhills 2025.

Q: What are some interesting or fun facts about you?
A: Emcee for the Stock Market Challenge, Eastern NC Junior Achievement; Guest starred on Grey’s Anatomy; Professional equestrian trainer.

Q: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off when you’re not competing or volunteering?
A: I love staying active through fun activities like beach volleyball or horseback riding! Recently, I had the opportunity to ride down at the Moss Foundation’s 4,000 acres of public equestrian trails, and I had the best time exploring with friends and jumping the obstacles they have set out.

Q: What’s your favorite way to stay #MissAmericaFit?
A: I love strength training and using sports to stay #MissAmericaFit! As an avid beach volleyball player and professional equestrian trainer, I use strength training to help me be better at my sports, which motivates me to stay consistent in the gym.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger girl who looks up to you, what would it be?
A: “Find something you’re passionate about, and find ways to give back. There is so much to learn about yourself while giving back, in addition to the good you do. If you volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about, you’ll stay motivated to keep doing it and keep improving.”

Q: Where can people support your American Heart Association efforts?
A: Visit my Spotfund page to support my efforts and learn more about heart health awareness!

Follow Her Journey

Be sure to follow Carly Peeters, Miss Wendell 2026, throughout her year of service as she represents her community and embodies the spirit of Scholarship, Style, Service, and Success.