Miss Garner 2026

What an honor to be invited to speak to the Garner Civitan Club!

Established nearly seven decades ago, the Garner Civitan Club is dedicated to serving the members of our community, specifically those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for these individuals is moving.

As the first Miss Garner to speak in front of this club, I was incredibly grateful to be able to share more about what it means to hold this title, the Miss America Opportunity, and all that I’ve accomplished with . Last night was a shining example of the immense support and love this community has for the Miss Garner Organization.

And being able to spend a little time with two of my committee members, Larry and JoAnne, always makes my night better!

Thank you to the Garner Civitan Club for the invitation and all you do for our community!
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Happy National Higher Education Day!🎓

Higher education changed the trajectory of my life. As a first-generation college graduate, I know the transformative power a college degree has firsthand. When the doors to education are opened for a student, the doors to opportunity and opened even wider.

Today, on National Higher Education Day, I’m grateful for the educators, mentors, and advocates who believed in me when I was still learning to believe in myself. Their support helped me discover my purpose, build a career dedicated to student success, and create elevatED to help others navigate their own path to post-secondary education.

No student should have to wonder if college, a credential, or career training is meant for someone like them. Opportunity belongs to all of us.
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I had the incredible privilege of meeting with U.S. Congresswoman Valerie Foushee who represents North Carolina’s 4th District back in early April.

When I first walked into her office and saw the pennants for each college in her district hanging on the wall, my heart grew with joy and excitement. As fierce higher education advocates, we had a remarkable conversation about the implications different pieces of legislation will have on students nationwide and the ways we can address this impact. I was able to learn more about the College for All Act, which Congresswoman Foushee is a co-sponsor of, and share information about the Lowering Student Loan Act, a new bill that was introduced at the end of March.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Congresswoman Foushee and take to the federal level. Being able to put my Bachelors in Political Science and Masters in Higher Education into action this way is an experience I’ll never forget!
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Confidence in Color🦚

I always feel my most confident when I’m dressed by my wonderful wardrobe sponsor, ! Every piece in their boutique is just so chic, trendy, and beautifully tailored that I can’t help but to fall in love with everything they style me in. Their support during my year as Miss Garner has meant the world to me and I am so proud to represent their brand!

Located in Apex, Betty & Jane is the perfect women’s clothing boutique! Make sure to stop by or shop online with them at shopbettyandjane.com 👗
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Loved spending my Sunday with 🏅

Athletes from all over North Carolina came together in Raleigh for the statewide Special Olympics Summer Games. I had the privilege of awarding some of the basketball championships this afternoon. Their dedication to the game was evident and the sportsmanship displayed was outstanding.

Congrats to all of the athletes and thank you to NC Special Olympics for inviting me!
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Wrapped up my 19th year as a Girl Scout today but this one was extra special 💚

Today concluded my first year as a Girl Scout Troop Leader! I had no idea when I joined this organization at seven years old that it would still be such a large part of my life at 26 years old. From being a Girl member to Lifetime member and now Troop Leader, I couldn’t imagine my life without Girl Scouts.

Now when I look at my own girls, I think of all the troop leaders and volunteers who shaped me into the woman I am today. I strive to make that same impact, hoping my girls reflect on their experience feeling empowered and loved the way that I do. I truly cannot express my full gratitude for my Girl Scout “moms” because without them, I wouldn’t be the leader I am today.

Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, once said “Scouting rises within you and inspires you to put forth your best.” And there is nothing truer than that.
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Service, scholarship, and opportunity have shaped the woman I am today

As a higher education professional, founder of elevatED, lifelong Girl Scout, Junior League member, and the proud 67th Miss Garner, I have dedicated my life and career to helping others recognize their potential and pursue their goals with confidence.

Much of my journey has been defined by opening doors that once seemed out of reach. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the transformative power of opportunity and the responsibility that comes with creating it for others. That belief guides my work with students, my service in the community, and my commitment to the Miss America Opportunity.

Serving as Miss Garner is an incredible honor, but it is only one part of my story. Beyond the crown is a woman who believes in leading with integrity and purpose.

As I continue my journey toward Miss North Carolina, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my community, advocate for higher education access, and use this platform to make a greater impact.

This is who I am beyond the crown. I’m Erin Emiroglu, Miss Garner 2026.
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x 📓🌟

Another great evening of elevatED in action with the Apex Youth Council! One of my favorite parts of being a ambassador is being able to provide students with the resources and information they need to feel empowered in their postsecondary education journey.

But what made last night so special was taking the conversation another step further and sharing with these young leaders my “why” and “how” behind elevatED. They asked thought-provoking questions about starting their own initiatives or nonprofits that left me feeling optimistic and excited for their futures. We are truly in good hands with the next generation 🤝
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Esse Quam Videri • To Be Rather Than To Seem

Through the growth I’ve experienced over the last year, I have truly strived to embody this motto of our great state. I’ve stopped trying to fit myself into a mold I wasn’t made for and instead embraced exactly who I am, wholeheartedly and unapologetically.

I’m excited to share my official Miss North Carolina headshot one month ahead of the crowning of the 88th Queen of the Tar Heel State. This photo captures my true nature and heart; one that is focused, bright, optimistic, and ready.

The woman I am today is more confident, more grounded, and more certain of her purpose than ever before. I now know the power of what it means to be, rather than to seem.

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NCESF Americana Gala🇺🇸💃💙

Celebrate 250 years of America by investing in its future at the North Carolina Educational Scholarship Fund’s Crown Society Americana Gala! Join us on June 26th at in High Point, NC as we commemorate our nations semiquincentennial and the legacy of the .

All proceeds will directly benefit the NCESF General Scholarship Fund. Purchase your ticket today at the link in my bio or https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/crown-society-americana-ball

Thank you to for sponsoring this event! ❤️💙
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