BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – At just 17, Cane Bay High School’s Leah Scarmeas is balancing honors classes, student government, and national recognition — all while preparing to compete for one of the biggest honors in high school pageantry.
This summer, the rising senior will represent South Carolina at the Miss High School America Pageant in Little Rock, Arkansas, vying for a national title and a $100,000+ scholarship prize package. But for Leah, it’s not just about the crown.
“I love that the MHSA sisterhood is made up of goal-driven girls who are smart, kind, and service-minded. It’s not about fitting into a mold. It’s about being your most confident, authentic self while using your voice for something bigger,” she said. “It’s more than just a competition; it’s a chance to grow, connect, and represent something I truly believe in.”
Preparation involves a lot more than just rehearsing onstage and ultimately flaunting a pretty gown, the Cane Bay High student added.
“It also includes community service, building confidence through interview practice, staying committed to my platform, and staying organized with school and life,” she stressed. “It’s definitely a full-circle experience, but every bit of the preparation helps me grow as a leader and a person. I can’t wait to step on that stage knowing I’ve put my heart into it.”
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A Purpose Bigger Than Pageants
Leah currently holds the title of Miss Heart of the South High School America 2025, an “at-large” position that allows her to compete on the national stage.
In January, she was first runner-up at the South Carolina state pageant out of 31 competitors and was awarded a $400 scholarship from the Stacey Jones Foundation.
The Miss High School America Organization is built on four pillars: academics, leadership, service, and anti-bullying — a mission Leah said she takes seriously. As Cane Bay’s 2025–26 student body president, she’s already immersed in leading change.
Rooted in Service
Her personal platform, Rooted in Service, supports military children and families, a cause close to home. Leah’s father, Nicholas Scarmeas, has served in the U.S. Air Force for over 15 years.
“As a military child, I know firsthand how often we move, how tough it can be to start over, and how important it is to feel seen and supported,” she said.
Her platform includes:
- Salute: Recognizing leaders who uplift others.
- Stand: Advocating anti-bullying through the national BRAVE (Building Respect And Values for Everyone) initiative.
- Serve: Organizing service projects like donation drives and thank-you campaigns with partners like Operation Gratitude.
Leah has also launched a digital interview series, Leading with Leah, featuring military-connected youth from six states and two countries. And she’s writing a children’s coloring book — starring a goldendoodle mascot named Chewie — designed to help young kids cope with frequent moves.
A Leader in Every Room
In addition to her national pageant title, Leah’s resume is packed:
- Student Body President, DECA Community Service Chair, Key Club Treasurer
- State Vice President, South Carolina Association of Student Councils (SCASC)
- Founder of a fundraiser, Cents for Service, and donor of a “Buddy Bench” to promote inclusivity at Cane Bay Elementary
“She’s a force to be reckoned with,” said her mother, Jaime Scarmeas. “She blows us away with her heart and passion for the greater good every day. She’s an old soul, accepting of others and very driven.”
Leah, who has lived in three states and attended six schools, hopes to attend a four-year university after graduating next year. Her career goals include law and public service with dreams of joining the Peace Corps like her grandparents.
“Just Be Yourself”
With nationals just weeks away, Leah is focused on her message while continuing to inspire other young girls.
“My advice to other young girls is to just be yourself, and always be kind. Once you find your people, they will always be accepting of who you are, and that’s how you know they’re your people,” she stressed. “My late Papou told me privately before he passed, ‘always treat others equally!’ And that is something I strive to live by each and every day.”
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Leah is the oldest of three girls. She has lived in three different states and attended 6 different schools. While she and her family have lived in the Lowcountry for the last decade, her family previously called Travis Air Force Base home in California.
Follow the ambitious teen and her community work on Instagram at this link.
