by Jessie Ammons

photograph by Travis Long

“I can’t wait for the Meredith College Sizzlin’ September concert. I have been a student at Meredith for the past two years and this is always one of my favorite things.” –Kate Peacock, Miss North Carolina, Meredith College junior

Miss North Carolina Kate Peacock, 20, was crowned in June. The pride she takes in the role is not about the title, she says, or even the personal recognition. “I always liked local things, and I loved school.” That’s why she began competing in pageants as an elementary schooler in Dunn: “I wanted to represent my schools.” She moved on to the Outstanding Teen Pageant in high school, which ultimately led to competing in Miss North Carolina. Her love of local applies to her college town, too. For these four years, Kate considers herself a full-blown Raleighite, taking advantage of all the city has to offer. This month, that includes Meredith’s Sizzlin’ September concert. It’s open to the public, which she appreciates as a bridge between her peers and the wider Raleigh community. She’ll be at the September 27 Easton Corbin performance after competing in the Miss America pageant on September 13. “While just being on stage is a dream come true,” she says, “my ultimate goal is to bring the crown back to North Carolina.”

Sizzlin’ September: country singer Dylan Scott will open for another country act, Easton Corbin; 6 p.m.; $10; Meredith College Amphitheater, 3800 Hillsborough St.; meredith.edu

Watch Kate Peacock in the Miss America pageant at 9 p.m. on September 13 on ABC.