Invited Guests
78th Azalea Festival
Chip Hemingway
Chip draws inspiration from the natural and man-made world, both of which provide endless opportunities to create his impressionistic impasto paintings en plein air and in his studio. He is often found within the surf line around Wrightsville Beach capturing the flurry of tide, waves, people and billowing clouds in oil on canvas.
Laura Osnes
LAURA OSNES is a two-time Tony nominee for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Bonnie & Clyde, with additional Broadway credits in Bandstand, Anything Goes, and Grease. She has starred in Hallmark movies and appeared on Fosse/Verdon (FX) and Dynasty (CW). A soprano, she performs globally and has appeared on PBS specials like A Capitol Fourth. Laura’s voice is featured on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime) and Team UmiZoomi (Nickelodeon). She has released 11 original songs and co-founded Rebel Rocket Entertainment with her husband, Nathan Johnson. @lauraosnes
Miss NC Carrie Everett
Carrie is a second-year vocal performance major at North Carolina Central University with a passion for African and African American History. She loves studying pageant history, learning from past queens’ advocacy and service. Her future goals include pursuing a career as a vocal performer, moving to Liberia, and dedicating her life to serving others through education, women’s rights, and fighting violence against women in West Africa. She also aspires to create gospel music and spread love through teaching the word of God.
Robert S. Cooley Jr.
Robert S. Cooley, Jr. is a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General and lifelong entrepreneur. A 1989 West Point graduate, he served over 37 years in various global assignments, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Europe, collaborating with agencies like the FBI and CIA. He commanded the 353rd Civil Affairs Command and served as Chief of Staff for the Army Reserve Command at Fort Liberty. Outside the military, Rob worked at Philips Medical Systems and Deloitte Consulting.
He now leads several award-winning businesses in North Carolina, including Apple Annie’s Bake Shop and The Wine Sampler. Rob is also the CEO of neurodata startup Nuream, an angel investor, and serves on several boards, including the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission. He’s a longtime resident of Wilmington, NC.
2025 Queen's Court
Ashtyn Thomas
Miss Zebulon
Grayson Johnson
Miss Johnston County
Lauryn Mallard
Miss Caldwell County
Maura Westbrook
Miss Garner
Sophia Kellstrom
Miss Davidson County
Tisha Abdul
Miss Orange County
Tori Gross
Miss Moore County
Hailey Hudson
Miss Chapel Hill
2025 Keydet Escorts
Max Cullen
Terrell Jackson
Heaton Lawrence
Gibson Maul
Morgan McPhaul
David Pedigo
Owen Ham
Marshall Taylor
Guests to Note
Each year the Azalea Festival highlights a few individuals as Official Invited Guests.
Stars, celebrities, and heroes alike – from afar and right here locally – are honored during Festival events.
The Festival has hosted the following notable guests (this is just a small sampling!):
Barbara Alyn Woods, Kevin Frazier, President Ronald Reagan, Adrian Wood
Also…Michael Jordan, Kerri Walsh Jennings, Chad Michael Murray, Hilarie Burton, and more!
