Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization celebrates leadership and service ahead of 2026 competition
May 26, 2026
As the 2026 Miss South Carolina and Miss South Carolina’s Teen competitions approach, delegates and volunteers throughout the state have spent the spring preparing for June while advancing the organization’s mission of scholarship, service and leadership.
The season officially began in March with the organization’s annual Workshop Weekend and Ignite the Heart Gala in Columbia, bringing delegates, supporters and volunteers together to kick off the road to the 2026 state competition.
On April 22, more than 50 delegates and volunteers traveled to the South Carolina State House for Miss South Carolina Day, an annual tradition recognizing the impact of the organization across the state. Delegates met with elected officials to discuss their community service initiatives while the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate recognized the organization’s commitment to developing young women.
“It was such an honor to be recognized by the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate,” said Sarah Kay Wrenn, Miss South Carolina. “I’m proud to represent an organization that continues to make a meaningful impact across our state and grateful for the opportunity to serve South Carolina in this role.”
Lily Kate Barbare, Miss South Carolina’s Teen, said the recognition highlighted the program’s purpose beyond the stage.
“I feel incredibly honored to be part of an organization that empowers young women to make a positive impact every day,” Barbare said. “Moments like these are a reminder of the opportunities this program creates for service and leadership.”
The day also included the inaugural Pink Empowerment Luncheon, hosted by the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization at Forest Lake Country Club. Designed to foster mentorship, professional confidence and intentional networking, the event brought together business leaders, students, emerging leaders and community advocates for conversations and connections.
The momentum continued during Midlands Gives Day on May 5, when supporters contributed more than $90,000 for scholarships through the Central Carolina Community Foundation. Delegates and volunteers gathered in Columbia to celebrate the continued investment in educational opportunities for South Carolina’s young women.
From workshops and mentorship opportunities to service initiatives and fundraising, the spring season is designed to help delegates grow as leaders while preparing for the 2026 state competition.
The 2026 Miss South Carolina and Miss South Carolina’s Teen competitions will take place in Columbia on June 13-20, where delegates from across the state will compete for scholarships and the chance to represent South Carolina at the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen competition in September. Miss South Carolina 2026 will be crowned live on Sinclair Broadcast Group stations across the state on June 20.
Founded in 1936, the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization is one of the state’s leading providers of scholarships for young women, awarding more than $200,000 annually to delegates while promoting leadership, communication and community service. For more information, visit miss-sc.org.
