Lexington native, Mary Elle Marchant, 18, was crowned 2024 Miss South Carolina Teen on June 29, 2024. The daughter of Andy and Rhonda, Marchant is a recent graduate of River Bluff High School’s class of 2024. She traded off the crown of Miss River Bluff’s Teen for the sparkling title of the 26th Miss South Carolina Teen at this year’s pageant, hosted at the Township Auditorium in Columbia, S.C.  

Marchant dazzled the judges with her interview skills, a musical theater-themed dance routine to The Chorus Line’s opening hit, “I Hope I Get It,” wearing a beautiful custom yellow evening gown.   

She describes her crowning moment as one of complete surprise and shock. “I really did not think anything like this would happen to me,” she said. “I just tried my best and gave it my all. This whole experience has been life-changing.”  

Not only did Marchant walk away with the sparkly crown and flashy new title, but she was also awarded $20,000 in scholarship money that will be used to further her education this coming fall.  

After 14 years of dance lessons, she has decided to take her passion and talent to Oklahoma City University, where she will be studying dance and business. She has future aspirations of performing on Broadway and becoming a Radio City Music Hall “Rockette.”   

In addition to her beauty, the judges were also impressed with her platform that encourages people, especially of the younger generation, to break away from the overuse of technology and excessive screen time.  

“I started my platform, ‘Hang up and Hang out,’ to advocate for living life beyond the cell phone screen. During my year as Miss South Carolina’s Teen, I hope to partner with different schools, libraries and businesses to help promote a society where we aren’t addicted to technology,” she said.  

Marchant has recently joined forces with her high school alma mater, River Bluff High School, to advocate for a positive change for students this upcoming school year.   

Ever since taking on her new title, Marchant has had very full days during her first couple weeks as 2024 Miss South Carolina Teen.  

“Every morning, I start my day off by reading my Bible and taking a walk, then I prepare myself for any meetings or interviews that I may have that day,” she said.  

Marchant said she enjoys meeting with different sponsors of the Miss South Carolina Organization and continuing their partnerships. She also enjoys going out into the community to promote her platform, “Hang up and Hang out.” No matter how busy her days are, Marchant is very committed to spending time with her family in the evenings as they prepare for her move to Oklahoma this upcoming fall.   

Aside from wearing beautiful dresses and sparkly crowns, pageantry has a deeper meaning to this Lexington local.  

“Being Miss South Carolina’s Teen gives me the opportunity to be a role model for young girls who have big dreams,” she said. “I want to be a good influence on today’s generation and make a positive impact on those around me.”   

She also describes the Miss South Carolina sisterhood as none other.  

“To be surrounded by well-rounded and like-minded girls who all support each other from all over the state is truly an incredible experience,” Marchant said. “If I could give a piece of my crown to all my sister delegates who competed in the pageant, I would. They truly share this win with me.”  

After placing as first runner-up in last year’s competition, Marchant hopes to be an inspiration for girls to never give up on their dreams.  

“I did not expect to win this year’s pageant. I want to serve as an inspiration for girls to never give up on their dreams, because they just may be one step away from achieving them like I was,” she said. 

Later this year, Marchant will represent South Carolina as she competes in Miss America’s Teen in Orlando, Fla. The Miss America Organization has yet to release this year’s competition date.