You won the title of USA National Miss South Carolina Teen, what does it entail?
Since winning the title in October, my state pageant director has instilled in us the importance of bonding as queens so she has put together events this year so that we can get to know each other! We have all become very close and I’m so excited to experience the journey with them to the UNM Nationals in Florida!
In addition UNM promotes service! The national platform for UNM is The Crown Cares (Creating a Respectful Environment in Schools). As UNM SC Teen, my goal is to visit several local elementary schools to educate young kids about bullying and harassment and creating a safer school environment.
Amanda Ferguson Photography
What do you expect to gain by competing in pageantry?
The list goes on and on! I have gained confidence I never in a million years thought I would achieve. I learned discipline, kindness, responsibility, and so much more. Pageantry has even inspired me to understand what I want to pursue when I get older which is to be a Sideline Reporter for ESPN. Most important, it will give me the tools I need to go in to schools and to speak to young kids the importance of being kind to their peers and to serve in the community.
Amanda Ferguson Photography
Tell me something about yourself your work. What do you actually do and have done in the past?
I grew up and still live in Simpsonville, SC. During my elementary and middle school years, I was a cheerleader for little league football and moved on to middle and high school competitive varsity cheer. I currently attend Hillcrest High School where I am involved in student council and play on the soccer team.
I am really looking forward to the next year because I was selected for the Teacher Cadet Program and Leadership Program. These classes, I feel, will make an impact on achieving my college and career goals. Along with school, I lifeguard at the YMCA, volunteer at The Springs Senior Home hosting BINGO, and help with Backpack Blessings.
Amanda Ferguson Photography
What would you advise any young girl out there who has a dream of being a queen one day.
Be prepared to work hard and practice, practice, practice! Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win a crown. Being on stage and giving it your all is learning! Also keep in mind that you will form friendships that last a long time. It is so awesome seeing my friends who I knew since I was 7 years old still competing like me and we run in to each other at appearances and hug and take pictures.
Amanda Ferguson Photography
Who is your ideal beauty queen and why?
I’ve always loved beauty queens such as Olivia Jordan
Deshauna Barber
Nia Sanchez
and Ali Rogers
But it’s not what you look like or what you wear that makes you a beauty queen. Something all these girls have in common is beauty on the inside.
Thanks to the beautiful Ellie for the interview. Pageants News wishes you all the very best for USA National Miss Teen Pageant.