Tuesday, Jun. 10, 2008

Sun Fun pageant winners announced

A Florence woman who says she's always considered Myrtle Beach her second home looks forward to the next year representing the Grand Strand as Miss Sun Fun 2009.

The crowning of Leah Hickman, 24, was announced as part of the 57th annual Sun Fun Festival in Myrtle Beach. Hickman is a manager and assistant buyer for Heyward & Hanna, a boutique in Florence and a 2006 graduate of Clemson University.

Courtney Sellers of Conway was chosen Miss Sun Fun Teen 2009.

She's active with the Andy's Special Friends Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides Myrtle Beach weekend getaways for children with cancer.

Sellers, an 18-year-old Carolina Forest High School alumnae, plans to attend Southern Wesleyan University in Central, near Clemson, and obtain a degree in forensic science.

Judging of contestants centered equally on swimsuit, evening gown and interview, and other qualities such as such as speaking about the Grand Strand.

Both pageant winners also will compete, expenses paid, in the Miss South Carolina USA and Miss South Carolina Teen USA pageants, respectively. They also will represent the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and participate in festivals, promotional trips and local events.