Unveiling the Stars of GTAC: Celebrating the Inaugural Little Miss & Little Mister GTAC Winners

On December 7, 2024, excitement filled the Greater Triangle Area as GTAC NC crowned its very first Little Miss GTAC, Little Mister GTAC, and Mister GTAC! This occasion was more than just a pageant; it was a celebration of the achievements and contributions of our youth. By recognizing these young achievers, we affirmed the strong values they represent in our community.

The pageant not only highlighted immense talent but also showcased the dedication of these young role models in serving as ambassadors for the Greater Triangle. Families and friends came together to show support, demonstrating the unity and pride within our vibrant community.

The Winners

We are excited to introduce the winners of this prestigious event:

✨ Little Miss Greater Triangle: Alaiya Oliver

Alaiya, a distinguished honor roll student in kindergarten and 1st grade, captivated judges and attendees with her elegance and enthusiasm. Her commitment to community service is clear, having received the Moral Focus Award for wisdom, perseverance, and respectful behavior. She participates in the New Dynamic Dance Ministry and is a Daisy member of Girl Scout Troop 30049. Alaiya is best described as funny, kind, and lovable. Her aspiration is to become a teacher. Alaiya exemplifies the spirit of uplifting others and proudly represents the Greater Triangle.

Alaiya Oliver

✨ Little Mister Greater Triangle: Master Joshua Hawkins

Master Joshua Hawkins captivated everyone with his contagious charm and enthusiasm. He is a third-grade entrepreneur and student at Zeb Vance Elementary School, where he earned the Sportsmanship, Attendance, and Conduct Awards in 2023. Additionally, he received a basketball award from the Salvation Army of Henderson, NC, in 2023 and the Smiley Award in 2019. Joshua has also been awarded two participation medals for the Aim High: Keep Pressing 5K/10K Kids Race in 2023 and 2024. In July of 2024, he had the chance to meet Governor Roy Cooper and was the first person to receive a handshake during the visit.

Joshua is deeply engaged in his community. For Thanksgiving 2024, he volunteered with Carolina United for Change LLC, helping prepare meals and distribute plates at Acts of Henderson. As a junior soldier at The Salvation Army of Henderson, he is learning to play the trumpet and takes part in weekly Character Building Classes, earning badges by completing various courses. He is also a member of The Salvation Army Red Shield Boys and Girls Club and was formerly part of the North Carolina Boys and Girls North Central Club/Vance Unit. Additionally, Joshua is a Bear Cub Scout with Boy Scouts of America Troop 101. He attends the Creating Success Education Center After School Program, which was acknowledged by Congressman Don Davis in March 2024 for their efforts in youth enrichment and empowerment. Joshua also volunteers with The Mary Emma Evans Foundation in honor of his great-grandmother, who was a community activist, author, singer, councilwoman, and pastor until her passing in 2011. In this role, Joshua assists with tasks such as sorting donations, breaking down boxes, and welcoming visitors. He also takes part in Litter Sweeps with the N.C. Department of Transportation Adopt A Highway Program. When not volunteering, Joshua enjoys playing video games, biking, and mowing the lawn with his Mimi. He loves playing basketball and has been on teams for Aycock Recreation and The Salvation Army in the past. He also enjoys fishing with his father, paternal grandmother, and brothers at Kerr and Falls Lake. Joshua is interested in playing football, but his mother isn't ready yet :-). He also enjoys cooking and completed a course at Creating Success Education Center in partnership with the N.C. Cooperative Ext. Food and Nutrition Program- Vance Unit.

The three words that best describe Joshua are hard-working, joyful, and a go-getter. Joshua aspires to serve his country by joining the Marines or to protect his community as a police officer in the future.

Joshua Hawkins 

✨ Mister Greater Triangle: Brandon Farmer

Brandon distinguished himself with his leadership skills and academic expertise. He is presently a freshman at Virginia State University, pursuing a degree in Biology. He participates in the men's tennis team and is an active member of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) and Professional Health & Related Interests Mentoring Experiences (Prime). After earning his degree from Virginia State University, Brandon intends to attend dental school and pursue a career as a general dentist.

As a honors student in high school Brandon was awarded a $15,000 scholarship from ThurGood Marshall. He graduated with a GPA above 3.0, won the Trailblazing Titan award, and was named MVP of the Men's Tennis Team every year throughout high school. He ranked among the top 8 high school tennis players in North Carolina. During his junior and senior years, he was part of the student council and participated in the Logistics Club.

Brandon can best be described with three words: caring, passionate, and determined. His visionary perspective for a better future strongly connects with the community, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have within it.

Brandon Farmer

Community Support and Engagement

What truly made this event memorable was the incredible support from the Greater Triangle community. Families filled the venue, cheering passionately for their favorites, which showcased the strong ties and connections that are the backbone of our area. The program featured a variety of performances, and the talent displayed during the pageant left a lasting impression.

This year's pageant was much more than just about winning crowns; it was a platform to instill values of hard work, determination, and collaboration among the youth. The winners will play vital roles in upcoming community projects, including participating in charity events aimed at education and health.

A Bright Future Ahead

The crowning of Little Miss GTAC, Little Mister GTAC, and Mister GTAC marks the start of an inspiring journey for Alaiya Oliver, Master Joshua Hawkins, and Brandon Farmer. These remarkable young individuals exemplify the spirit of the Greater Triangle community, showing that age does not limit one’s ability to make a positive difference.

As we celebrate our winners, let us continue to provide support and encouragement to our youth. Together, we can ensure they have the resources and opportunities they need to flourish. Here’s to many more years of celebration, community involvement, and the rising stars of the Greater Triangle!