Miss North Carolina

Elizabeth Leigh Horton

What is your hometown like?
High Point is a charming, wholesome city to grow up in that provides endless opportunities and possibilities for its residents.

What were you like when you were a child?
I was a HUGE ham who loved to perform and talk to people. I also was very girly. I hated getting my hands dirty!

Who is the most influential person in your life?
My mother is most definitely the most influential person in my life. We talk about everything and make most decisions together. After the death of my father, we really became each other's everything.

What is one thing about you that people you meet may not immediately realize?
I have had a lot of sorrowful experiences in my life. I think I come across as a person who's always happy-go-lucky and optimistic, so it might surprise people that I have been through as much as I have.

What was one defining moment in your life?
The death of my father. It was the hardest, most spiritual and most emotional time of my life. I can say without a doubt that it only made me stronger.

What was one defining moment in your life?
I have learned that dreams really do come true, and that it's so important to be yourself and not worry about what others say about you. You can only be the best you allow yourself to be.

What was one defining moment in your life?
I want to bring Miss America into the palm of our nation's hands. I want America to become more involved and to take a step towards changing the world. I hope to change the world not only for people living with autism spectrum disorder but for all of our youth. I want them to know they truly can achieve what they set their minds to achieve. Dreams should be merely goals. That's the reason I am where I am.