Norma-Jean Miller: Thankful for the place that raised me
It took going off to college at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, for me to truly appreciate where I came from. I am so thankful for the childhood I had in Duplin County and the blessings that it bestowed upon me. Whether we’re talking about the small town feel, the amazing food found throughout the county, or my family who have been there for generations, Duplin County is where the start of all my memories were made.
Janet Duff Miller and Tony Tillman Miller brought me home from the hospital and raised me in a county that allowed me to grow up with sunshine, fresh air, agriculture, and opportunity. It’s homey. You see people everywhere you go. They know you, and you know them; and if they don’t know you, they know your mom.
I graduated from East Duplin High School. (Go Panthers!) In addition to being on the cheerleading team all four years, I had the opportunity to be a part of the National Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and the Duplin County Health Sciences Academy. These opportunities helped me strive to get my BA in Communication Media, but I wanted to also keep my roots and minor in Dance and Agricultural Business Management.
When I competed in pageants, Duplin County also provided me with the opportunity to compete with my home county title across my chest at the Miss North Carolina Outstanding Teen pageant. I also competed representing East Duplin High School at the Miss North Carolina High School pageant. Whether I won or lost the pageants I entered, I strived to represent the county that raised me with pride.
Some of the best, home cooked meals I enjoyed have been made in the heart of Duplin County, outside of my mom's kitchen, of course. Whether I’m at Duff’s Café having my favorite fried chicken and a banana sandwich, eating pizza on a night out at Pizza Village, or devouring marinated turkey and a stuffed baked potato from The Country Squire, there is no shortage of great food nearby.
I wanted to share my love of Duplin County with you this Thanksgiving season. We plant roots wherever we go, and I’m grateful for the county that provided me with so many opportunities to grow.
