Sydney Sill, Miss Greater Greer Teen, will be in Columbia for the Miss South Carolina Teen competition July 7-14.
Sill is among the favorites to win Miss South Carolina Teen. She was second runner-up in the 2011 Miss Teen contest competing as Miss Greater Lyman. She won overall sportswear and won her preliminary in physical fitness.
GreerToday.com writer Laura MacPherson sat down with Sydney at the Stomping Grounds for an exclusive interview. Laura and Sydney talked about what led Miss Greater Greer Teen to the road she’s on and where she is headed in the future.
Q: How did you get interested in the competition?
A: I did my high school pageant, Miss Byrnes, and the directors of that pageant, Kevin and Jared, told me after the pageant that I should try to do Miss Lyman Teen. So last year I did it and I happened to win, and so I went to state and absolutely loved it. I really wanted to win Miss South Carolina Teen, but I didn’t win last year so right after the pageant was over I decided that I was going back the next year. You can inspire so many people by having a crown on your head.
Q: What’s gone into your preparation and training?
A: You really have to focus on talent. I’m a tap dancer, and my routine was good last year but it’s way better this year. The technique and the routine itself are better. I’ve also been getting my body fit and ready. I’ve been drinking protein shakes so my body will be prepared.
Q: What’s been your favorite part of the competition so far?
A: I love the wardrobe. It’s so fun going shopping. But I really love talking to kids. I’m an ambassador for the Shriners Hospital for children in Greenville. I love going and talking to the kids about their obstacles in life and helping them overcome them and being an inspiration to them.
Q: That’s your platform, isn’t it?
A: Yes. If you can believe it, you can achieve it. Overcoming life’s obstacles. I have scoliosis, and four years ago I had surgery to correct that. I’m a patient at Shriners Hospital so I can really relate to the kids there. I can say, “I was where you are, I was in this position, and look where I am today.” It’s really a light of hope for the kids. I really enjoy doing that.
Q: Tell me about the shopping and the selection of the dress.
A: We went to Foxy Lady and tried on many, many dresses. When you try on the dress and step in front of the mirror, you know that it’s the dress. For other phases, like the interview, you also have to pick out a dress. I found one I liked in a magazine and we actually had someone make it. It’s really fun getting the wardrobe.
Q: Talk to me about what’s going on in your head. Are you nervous?
A: It’s crunch time because you have to focus, but you just don’t get overwhelmed. Do the things that you need to do, make sure your talent is where it needs to be. But you really have to have you time because during pageant week it’s go, go, go. We went to Miss North Carolina last weekend, and when we saw the girls standing there, waiting to be crowned, it really hit me then, the adrenaline.
Q: Where does this road lead for you? What’s your goal?
A: By winning Miss South Carolina Teen I would go to Miss America Teen, and winning that would open so many doors, because I really want to get involved with film. I do acting and dance, and from a little girl I’ve always wanted to be on Disney Channel. By winning Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, that really opens doors to meet people you would never have met otherwise. If you want to get into film and TV, it’s all about who you know. And people can look up to you, you can be a role model.