BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — Berkeley County has a new statewide titleholder. Leah Scarmeas, a Cane Bay High School senior and longtime local resident, was recently crowned Miss South Carolina Teen USA in Spartanburg. Competing under the local title of Miss Charleston Air Force Base Teen, she will represent South Carolina throughout the year and on the national Miss Teen USA stage.
“I went into pageant weekend with such a calm and at ease mindset, full of gratitude to just be there,” Scarmeas said. “I felt comfortable and confident and truly just had such an amazing weekend. I wanted to have fun and truly soak up every moment—being authentically ‘Leah.’ And I did just that!”
Calling the win “a dream come true,” Scarmeas said she hopes her journey resonates with other military children across Berkeley County and the state. “I am beyond honored to represent our state this year and on the national level,” she said. “As a military child, I hope to set an example for them that they, too, can achieve their wildest dreams if they work hard and never give up!”
In addition to the crown, Scarmeas earned the overall interview award. “I love public speaking, and communicating my personal platform and who I am as a person was something I took very seriously and worked hard at every single day,” she said.
That platform, Rooted in Service, focuses on empowering military children to thrive. Scarmeas plans to partner with local schools, military bases and nonprofits across South Carolina, beginning with visits to each of the state’s seven active military installations. She also authored a children’s book, Brave Like Chewie, an interactive activity book for military children available on Amazon; she said proceeds are donated to support military nonprofits.
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While the Miss Teen USA dates have not yet been announced, preparation is already underway. “Just like with any sport or job, this is something I work on every single day,” Scarmeas said. “Whether it’s mock interviews, platform planning, or practicing my onstage routines—it’s much more than meets the eye.” Competition phases include a private interview with judges and onstage segments in fitness, evening gown and onstage question. She added that she maintains a healthy routine with exercise, walking her goldendoodle and eating well-balanced meals while juggling senior-year responsibilities.
Scarmeas thanked her coaches and family, especially her father, a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. “You have taught me leadership, integrity, and grit,” she said.
Berkeley County neighbors can expect to see Scarmeas at local appearances in the months ahead as she balances Cane Bay High life with statewide duties and prepares to carry the Lowcountry to the national stage.
