Anna Weslin Stubbs earned the title of 2026 Miss Marlboro Academy after surpassing ten other impressive contestants. Miss Carley Gulledge earned the first runner-up title, while Miss Paisley Westbay was recognized as the second runner-up.
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Miss Carley Gulledge is a member of the National Honors Society and says she plans to attend UNC at Chapel Hill and pursue a degree in political science.
In a night filled with fun, glamour, and female icon appreciation, Marlboro Academy crowned its 2026 Miss Marlboro Academy Pageant winners Saturday night
Lauren Monica | Herald-Advocate
BENNETTSVILLE — In a night filled with fun, glamour, and female icon appreciation, Marlboro Academy crowned its 2026 Miss Marlboro Academy Pageant winners Saturday night. Anna Weslin Stubbs earned the title of 2026 Miss Marlboro Academy after surpassing ten other impressive contestants. Miss Carley Gulledge earned the first runner-up title, while Miss Paisley Westbay was recognized as the second runner-up. Miss Madeline Goodwin received the People’s Choice award, while Miss Anna Weslin Stubbs, who dominated the evening, was honored with the Miss Congeniality title.
Stubbs, who enjoys fishing and playing the harmonica, says she is looking ahead to attending the University of Pembroke in the fall, where she intends to secure a degree in nursing.
Miss Carley Gulledge is a member of the National Honors Society and says she plans to attend UNC at Chapel Hill and pursue a degree in political science.
Second place runner up, Miss Paisley Westbay is looking forward to attending the University of South Carolina next fall.
The theme for this year’s annual pageant was celebrating female icons and featured eleven contestants competing for the top title. Proceeds from the event went to school yearbooks. Some specific female icons honored by contestants were Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and Rhianna.
Contestant one, Miss Anna Claire Barrington is a member of the Beta Club and is on the A Honor Roll at Marlboro Academy. Miss Adisynne Powers participates in both tennis and cheer, while also finding time to volunteer with Plates of Plenty. Miss Aniston Sheppard has plans to attend UNC at Chapel Hill in the fall, with a career goal of Forensic Pathology in mind. Miss Sara Driggers says she is looking forward to earning a degree in sociology following her graduation from Marlboro Academy. Miss Kendall Carter loves working in her grandmother’s boutique and says she is pursuing a profession in interior design. Miss Paisley Westbay is looking forward to attending the University of South Carolina next fall. People’s Choice winner Miss Madelyn Goodwin will be enrolling in UNC at Chapel Hill’s nursing program. Miss Mariah Cooper says she enjoys playing soccer and being a member of the varsity cheer squad. Choosing a future profession in education, Cooper says she plans to attend the University of South Carolina upon graduation. Miss Amanda King enjoys theater and performing and says she is planning to stick with a profession in the arts.
In addition to the contestants, Elevate Dance Academy also performed during the pageant.
In a statement announcing the winners, Marlboro Academy stated, “Congratulations to all our beautiful contestants and to everyone who worked so hard to make this pageant a huge success.”