South Carolina royalty has graced the pages of the Chronicle several times over the past few months.

We have been able to learn about three different Lexington local state titleholders, their passions and get informed of the many different pageant organizations.

We have, however, learned about a fourth South Carolina beauty queen, hailing from Lexington, who has not yet been mentioned.

Miss Siena Compton, 17, was crowned Teen Miss South Carolina on July 13, 2024.

Siena is the daughter of Jason and Tiffany Compton of Lexington. The Little Miss South Carolina pageant, which is where she earned the Teen Miss S.C. title, was held in Florence at the Francis Marion Performing Arts Center this past July.

According to the Little Miss South Carolina website, this pageant system is one of the oldest in the state. Founded in 1971 by the late Linda Floyd, this system prides itself on community service and partnership with Prisma Children’s Hospital. The Little Miss South Carolina program has raised over $660,000 since the beginning of the partnership in 2002, according to the organization's website.

The River Bluff High School senior describes her crowning moment as “a complete shock.”

“I was in complete shock," she said. "I kept hearing all the runner-up names being called and I was thinking my name would not be called. ... Before my name was announced as the winner, I had already told myself that I would have better luck next year.”

Not only did she walk away with the title of Miss South Carolina Teen and a dazzling crown, but she was also awarded $3,000 in scholarship money. Siena also disclosed that she was introduced to the Little Miss South Carolina pageant system about four years ago and has competed every summer since. She fell in love with the system and everything it stands for.

“It is an honor to be able to be a part of and represent an organization that holds similar values to my own,” Siena said.

Being community service driven, the young teen started her own initiative for those battling food insecurity within the Lexington community called Feeding Futures.

Siena and her family are heavily involved with the Backpack Project at their church, Mt. Horeb. Inspired by the many families that received food and snacks through this initiative, Siena has made it her passion to be a blessing to those who may not know where their next meal is coming from. Since she has started Feeding Futures, she has been able to help provide and pack over 1,000 food-filled backpacks to the cause. She has also volunteered and collaborated with Harvest Hope Food Bank in Columbia.

She is a senior at River Bluff High School and is expected to graduate this upcoming May. She hopes to attend Clemson University and major in biological sciences. Her goal is to go to dental school and become an orthodontist. Outside of studying in preparation for her upcoming graduation, she is also a senior captain for her school’s varsity dance team.

Outside of pageant obligations and volunteering, Siena enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys traveling with her family and always looks forward to their yearly summer trips.

As Teen Miss South Carolina, Siena will be busy fulfilling her duties and obligations as a state titleholder. The Little Miss South Carolina organization keeps their beauties busy with community service efforts, appearances, assisting with preliminary competitions and features in upcoming parades.