Miss North Carolina

Chelsea Cooley

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to represent the United States at a press conference with the President of Curacao, discussing the future of their local children's hospital. I was asked to bring a gift. Due to the language barrier, I believed my gift would go to a child. Imagine my surprise when the president joined me on the podium to accept his gift. I was shocked! My gift was "Pop Rocks" candy and toys. Needless to say, every time I see a box of "Pop Rocks," I blush...and for a moment I'm back in Curacao.

Please list any schools and universities (public/private/graduate/trade or technical) you have or are attending, as well as the area of study, graduation date and any degree or certification you received.
High School: Independence High School; Year Completed: 2002
College: UNC-Charlotte; Area of Study: Fashion Marketing; Degree: Transferred to the Art Institute of Charlotte.

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
Toys for Tots: This amazing program provides toys for children in need. I am extremely proud to support it. I was initially introduced to Toys for Tots in high school as a volunteer and have continued my volunteerism as a spokesperson. Recently, alongside several members of the United States Marine Corps, I helped raise awareness and donations for the children in a televised event.
Special Olympics: I proudly support this program, which provides athletic competitions to more than one million people with intellectual disabilities. As Miss North Carolina USA, I am involved in the annual North Carolina games. I have volunteered for the winter games in the ice skating events and will volunteer for the summer games, as well.
Flames to Blame: This community service organization provides fire prevention education to all ages. My involvement came directly after a recent incident when my apartment burned down. Over the last few months, I have traveled to low-income communities, nursing homes and schools to teach them about safe evacuation routes and preventative measures if a fire situation were to arise.
Delta Zeta's Most Eligible Bachelor Pageant: I organized voting stations and promoted awareness for the importance of this annual event, in which each sorority and fraternity sponsors a male contestant for the competition. The actual event is just like many other pageants. They compete in formal wear, swimsuit, talent and interview. The pageant is voted on by the student body through penny votes. All of the proceeds are donated to the national philanthropy, Galludet University for the Speech and Hearing Impaired.

What would be your "dream job" in life?
Ultimately, I would love to be a buyer for Ralph Lauren.

Name one personal accomplishment (in addition to being a State Titleholder) that makes you especially proud.
Forgiving all of the incidents in the past and becoming closer with my Father. This in turn has allowed me to have a closer relationship with my brother. I feel this has been a tremendous accomplishment in my life.

What are your hobbies and favorite activities?
West Coast Swing, Shag Dancing, Reading suspense novels, Watching Major League Baseball, Jet skiing, Snorkeling, Parasailing, Shopping.

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