Gamecock could head to Miss America 2014 pageant
Forty-nine regional beauty queens have begun competition to become the next Miss South Carolina, and five USC students are among their ranks. Representing the Upstate, Pee Dee, Lowcountry and even Five Points, these women — ranging from second year to law students — are hoping to take home the crown.
The first preliminary round of competition began Tuesday night, and two more preliminaries will follow, all culminating in Saturday night’s final round at the Township Auditorium. Current Miss South Carolina Ali Rogers, a Clemson student, will crown her successor, making it just a little sweeter if a contestant from USC were to win.
The contestants are also competing for thousands of dollars in scholarships. The top prize is worth $20,000, and $122,100 in total will be awarded.
The contestants have been preparing for months — regional competitions take place as early as November and as late as March — but preparation lasts until the eleventh hour for the dedicated Miss South Carolina Hopefuls.
“Not only have I been studying the news, working on my talent and overall mental preparation, but I’ve been working out independently and also with Pure Barre, one of my sponsors in Five Points,” said Emily Sapier, a third-year tourism management student and Miss Five Points Festival, after a 12-hour rehearsal day. “I think its important to establish a routine and to stick to it.”
In the preliminary rounds, contestants will compete in evening wear and swimsuit, talent and on-stage question rounds. The three rounds are spread out over the three preliminary nights, though the women are put into different groups, so all three rounds happen each night.
As Sapier and the four other USC beauty queens enter the competition for the crown, having familiar faces around will help.
“I have become good friends with the other USC girls,” Sapier said. “It’s nice to have more than pageantry in common with the other ladies.”