A Suffolk woman was named first runner up in the Miss Virginia United States pageant on April 12.

Taylor Flick, a 2013 graduate of Nansemond River High School, was surprised by her placement, since it was her first pageant at such a high level, even though she’s been competing in pageants since she was about 5.

“It was my first Miss pageant ever,” she said. “I was very surprised.”

Flick and the other contestants competed in interview, swimsuit, gown and runway competitions.

“For me, honestly, interview is probably the most challenging,” Flick said. “I’ve always been great on stage. My big struggle is with interviews. Being first runner up means I must have improved a lot, and that means a lot to me.”

Flick said she worked with pageant coaches and did mock interviews with them to help her improve.

The pageant atmosphere was “very loving and family oriented,” Flick said.

“I felt like I could go to anyone for help backstage,” she said. “We were zipping each other’s dresses and fixing each other’s hair.”

Flick said the girls also prayed together backstage. It started when she was praying by herself, and a couple of others asked if they could pray with her. Soon, “we formed a huge prayer circle with all the contestants,” she said. “Me and another girl prayed before every competition.”

Flick was appointed Miss Suffolk since she is from here and went on to the statewide pageant.

She currently attends Patrick Henry Community College, where she expects to graduate in May with an associate degree in general studies. She then plans to transfer to Bluefield College and major in special education while also playing soccer.

Her brother inspired her to major in special education, she said.

“Growing up, my brother has struggled with people stereotyping him based on his disability,” she said. “It just really got to me, and I want to help erase those stereotypes, because anybody can do anything they set their mind to.”

Only two days after the end of the pageant, Flick earned more major honors from her college. She was awarded an Athletic Academic Achievement Award, honorable mention all-conference soccer player, and the Female Patriot of the Year, which recognizes a female athlete for her academics, athletics and community service.