Spotlight: Keelie Jones, Miss Central Carolina 2024 | Miss North Carolina Organization

Talent Category: Dance (Tap)

Previous MAO Titles: Western Carolina’s OT ’18 (3rd RU), Emerald Ridge’s OT ’19 (Top 15), Gastonia’s OT ’20-’21 (3rd RU, Evening Gown / OSQ), Queen City ’23 (3rd RU)

Hometown: Hendersonville, NC

Current Schooling: Graduated from East Henderson High School in 2020, Started College at The College of Charleston before transferring to UNC Charlotte (thanks Covid). Currently a senior double major at UNC Charlotte. Studying for a bachelor of science in Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in applied dance.

What are your scholastic and/or career ambitions? I hope to work in Hospital Administration and bridge the gap between traditional medicine and integrated health including mental and behavioral health.

Community Service Initiative (CSI): Crying Out Loud

What are some objectives you have as a titleholder? My CSI is “Crying Out Loud”. It is a registered 501c3 and we work hard to provide resources and advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. We also have a vlog-cast called “Caring Conversations” where you can watch others discuss their battles with mental health and what they have done to overtake that stigma.

What are some interesting facts abut you? I have a birthmark that looks like a llama on the back of my neck. I will be the first person in my entire family to graduate from college.
I am the daughter of tribal royalty from Ghana Africa. I was the youngest person ever invited to dance with the Radio City Rockettes for their summer intensive.

What do you enjoy doing for fun? I love the gym and working out. I volunteer with the youth at my church. I am a member of Kappa Delta and spend a lot of time volunteering and mentoring with them. I journal and my biggest love is growing plants.