Surprised and blessed - that’s how Senior Kerry Johnson felt after she was named Harnett Central’s 2009 Homecoming Queen. Johnson won the Miss Harnett Central pageant earlier in the week over 14 other young women.

“I give God the glory for blessing me with both honors,” Johnson said. “I feel blessed to have received both honors, but I am even more blessed to have friends and family to share the memories with.” Johnson took part in the “Midnight in Manhattan”-themed pageant Oct. 22 with hopes of winning a $400 scholarship. Contestants were judged on their GPA, student interview, business attire, evening ware, and a question on stage. The following evening, she was surprised to hear her own name when the Homecoming Queen winner was announced.

“I never expected to ever have the honor of being on the Homecoming Court,” she said. “Even more, I never imagined in my wildest dreams I would be elected as Homecoming Queen.” All in the family

The distinct honors wouldn’t have been as special without her family. Johnson said making memories with her family and friends was the best part of the experience.

Her grandmother, “Granny-Bird,” bought Johnson’s business ware outfit and her other grandmother, “MeMe,” helped choose her Homecoming gown.

“It was a fun and memorable experience,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s 7-year-old cousin even gave her handmade flowers the night of the Miss Harnett Central pageant and a hot pink teddy bear the evening of the Homecoming celebration. After the pageant, Johnson also had the opportunity to meet a distant relative. Her third cousin, Tiffany Harrison Caroll, was also crowned Miss Harnett Central and Homecoming Queen in the fall of 2002.

Johnson said she never has felt so blessed to have the support and love of so many.

“I will never forget looking up into the stands and seeing the smiling faces of all of the precious people in my life,” she said. “I was overwhelmed with joy at that point.”