More Than A Crown: The Miss South Carolina Organization When most people think of pageants, scholarship and professional development are not the first things to come to mind. However, as the contestants in the Miss South Carolina Pageant know, this competition means much more than just a prestigious title. It is also a chance for these participants to further their personal, academic, and professional goals, as well as to raise awareness about causes they care about. The Miss South Carolina Organization, founded in 1937 as part of the Miss America brand, provides scholarships at both the state and local levels to deserving, relatable young women, helping them continue their educations and achieve their dreams. Miss South Carolina 2014, Lanie Hudson, says of her experience with the organization, “One of the greatest reasons to participate is for the opportunity for young women, like myself, to continue and further their education. The Miss America Organization is the world’s largest scholarship provider for women. Because of the $25,000 scholarship I was awarded by being selected as Miss South Carolina 2014, I can now go back to school to obtain my Masters Degree. I am so thankful to be part of this organization and for the opportunity to continue my education!” The Miss South Carolina Organization also encourages civic engagement in the community, providing a platform for these women to promote the issues that are
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“One of the greatest reasons to participate is for the opportunity for young women, like myself, to continue and further their education.”
lanie hudson, miss south carolina , participating in the miss america day of service. also hosted the contestant who raised the most funds out of all Miss America contestants. To ensure the endurance of this prestigious and
— Lanie Hudson, Miss South Carolina 2014
generous program, the Miss South Carolina
important to them. The organization even
Now, the Foundation manages the investments
offers special scholarships for those who have
and provides administrative assistance so
supported a certain field, such as mental
the organization can function smoothly.
health or diabetes research. Additionally,
The partnership between the Miss South
contestants pay no entry fee to compete, but
Carolina Organization and the Community
instead raise money for the Children’s Miracle
Foundation allows the organization to continue
Network. In 2013, the Miss South Carolina
to support these many deserving young
Organization raised the most total funds of
women, all of whom are great assets to the
all the Miss America programs, as well as the
community and are committed to making a
most funds per contestant. South Carolina
positive impact on the world around them.
Organization began an endowment with Central Carolina Community Foundation.
WE ARE A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
PRESIDENT’S LETTER | 2
SERVING 11 COUNTIES IN THE
COURAGE EXHIBIT | 2
MIDLANDS BY DISTRIBUTING GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS AND LINKING THE RESOURCES OF DONORS, NONPROFITS
NEWS BRIEF | 2 FUNDS AND FUNDHOLDERS | 3
AND COMMUNITY LEADERS TO AREAS
MIDLANDS GIVES | 4
OF NEED.
WILL UNIVERSITY | 5 EVENTS | 6