All signs point to pride in former Miss North Carolina

ST. PAULS — The Robeson County town of St. Pauls, population 2,431, is mighty proud of its former Miss North Carolina.

There's just no other way to explain why this southeastern town off Interstate 95 has requested that the state Department of Transportation manufacture four roadside signs that read, "Home of Miss N.C. 2017 Victoria Huggins."

Before being installed on Tuesday, those new gateway signs will be unveiled Monday at 4 p.m. during a reception to honor Huggins at the R.E. Hooks Community Building, 100-198 North 3rd St., in St. Pauls.

[PHOTOS: Miss N.C. Victoria Huggins through the years]

"One will go up, in each direction, on N.C. 20 as you come into town and on U.S. 301 as you come into town," state DOT spokesman Andrew Barksdale said in an email.

"I am so honored," the 25-year-old Huggins said Friday. "It has truly been a labor of love because our wonderful town and mayor have been working on this ever since I was crowned Miss North Carolina. It really started coming together after I gave up my crown."

But Hurricane Florence forced the sign reveal to be postponed. Initially, the unveiling was scheduled for the same September weekend that Florence blew through the area.

"Instead," she said, "we needed to focus on those affected by the hurricane. Now we're able to celebrate it this coming Monday."

Though the Department of Transportation will install the signs, the town is paying for them. In this case, Barksdale said, the estimated cost is $2,500 for the four gateway signs.

"We have a policy to allow these type of signs," he said, "but we install them to make sure they are in the right location along the roadway and within our (roadway)."

"Our policy," Barksdale added, "also requires the requester to pay for them."

Jerry Weindel, the mayor of St. Pauls, did not return messages left Friday.

Huggins lived in St. Pauls the first 17 years of her life. In those days, home was on the outskirts of the city limits, right off East Great Marsh Road. Her grandmother still lives on that road.

"I loved it," Huggins said. "Being able to grow up in a small town taught me the ideals and work ethics that I would need to be able to accomplish all I have in my life. I can never repay them for all they've done for me. From 'It’s Showtime at the Apollo' in New York all the way to New York City for Miss America, I can honor them in the way I continue to live my life with the best of my ability."

At the age of 6, and wearing a blue suit that her mother had made for her, Huggins performed on "It's Showtime at the Apollo." In 2011, she appeared on the 10th season of "American Idol," advancing to Hollywood among the top 100 contestants.

In 2013, Huggins reigned as Miss Fayetteville.

She is currently living in Lumberton, but hopes to move closer to her roots. Three weeks ago, Huggins was named the manager of community and media relations for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers minor league baseball team.

"I'm so excited," she said, with the exuberance of a former beauty queen.

Staff writer Michael Futch can be reached at mfutch@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3529.