Hilda M. Carter

Hilda M. Carter has been involved in the civic life of the Grand Strand for more than 40 years. A native of Wilmington, North Carolina, she has been a newspaper columnist, a television show host, a beauty pageant organizer, and an enthusiastic promoter of the culture and lifestyle of the Myrtle Beach area.

Carter is known statewide for her work in pageant competitions, having often served as a judge, tutor and consultant. She was instrumental in establishing the scholarship component of the Miss Myrtle Beach Pageant.

Carter serves as vice president of the Beach Music Association International and is a longtime advocate for the recognition of beach music. She has taken an active part in many area civic organizations, including the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and the Red Cross. Carter was awarded the Order of the Silver Crescent, South Carolina's highest award for volunteer and community service, by former Governor Jim Hodges.

Carter was awarded the honorary degree Doctor of Public Service from Coastal Carolina University during the May 2009 commencement ceremony.