Miss Darlington queens crowned

By: Ardie Arvidson | SCNOW
Published: November 24, 2009

The Miss Darlington and Miss Darlington Teen 2010 pageants, held Saturday in Darlington at the St. John's Elementary School auditorium, climaxed with the crowning of Morgan Smoak of Columbia as Miss Darlington 2010 and Caroline Byrd of Darlington as Miss Darlington Teen. The theme of the pageant was "To Darlington With Love."

A 22-year-old College of Charleston graduate, Smoak dominated the competition winning every category - swimsuit, talent, interview and evening gowning.

In the talent competition, Smoak clogged to James Brown’s "Living in America."

Smoak was named third runner-up two years ago in the Miss South Carolina Pageant. She will compete in the state pageant in July in Spartanburg as Miss Darlington. Her platform is “Don’t Duck Mental Health.” She will use this platform to educate adolescents on mental health issues. The purpose of her program is to eliminate the stigma that surrounds mental health.

First runner up was Sarah-Frances Parker, a junior at the University of South Carolina, who performed a lyrical ballet to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

Second runner-up was Madison Privette of Darlington who sang “The Climb” by Mylie Cyrus. Bethany Johnson, a student at Darlington High School, was selected Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.

A sophomore at The Byrnes School in Florence, Byrd tapped her way to the crown with a lively dance to "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl. She also won the talent competition.

Byrd’s platform is “If You Can Read, You Can Succeed.” She will focus on literacy by sharing her enthusiasm for reading with the children of Darlington County.

Brooke Powers, a freshman at Lexington High School, received the Fitness Award and was named first runner-up. She sang "You Light Up My Life" as her talent. Second runner-up Charity O’Neal of Darlington, a student at Trinity Collegiate School, performed played the piano in the talent competition. Hartsville High School student Niki Martin was named Miss Congeniality.

Entertainment was provided by Miss Darlington 2009 Terrilyn Stephens, Brandy Morrell, Desiree Puglia, Brenda Cranford School of Dance, Jamie Cranford and Brittany Caldwell. The pageant was directed by Will Isgett. Assisting Isgett as emcee was Merideth Watford.

District 56 Rep. Denny Neilson presented the outgoing Miss Darlington with a proclamation for her year of service.