Hoping Fourth Time is charm for Wickliffe
A graduate of Walhalla High School and Clemson University will vie for the title of Miss South Carolina 2013 on July 13 in Columbia. Miss Spartanburg 2013, Clarka Wickliffe, a native of Oconee County currently living in Greenville County pursuing a Master’s degree from Clemson University in bio-medical engineering, is excited to be competing for the state crown again this year. “I’m absolutely thrilled. I have been doing this for four years in a row, so it has been along haul, but it is not uncommon for girls to compete year after year because there are so many wonderful things about this organization. Being apart of this organization has really empowered me and given me a voice in the community but also helped me soul search and find myself again after going through such a loss. Therefore, I do not know where I would be without this organization. It is a little bittersweet knowing that it is my final year. The age range is 18-24 and my 24th birthday is five days after the Miss South Carolina 2013 Pageant.” Previously, Wickliffe competed in the Miss South Carolina Pageant as Miss Greenville County 2010, Miss Clemson 2011 and Miss Darlington 2012. She lost her father to cancer during her freshman year of college, since that time she has been an advocate of Cancer Awareness and Prevention. “Trying to make a difference and empower others to adopt the lifestyle changes that I know can impact on a daily level to be able to avoid being diagnosed with cancer. Making sure that you avoid tobacco products, applying sunscreen, exercising and maintaining a healthy, nutritional diet. If we adopt all four of those things then two thirds of cancers that are diagnosed currently could be prevented.” Winning the Miss South Carolina 2013 crown would be a dream, concludes Wickliffe. “It would be such a wonderful way to end my journey of competing in the pageant system for Miss America. It would be the icing on the cake to take away the crown and represent South Carolina at the Miss America Pageant this September, but it would be such an honor to represent our state and go and visit various schools, civic groups, etc. across the state. To have more of a far reaching voice with the stature of Miss South Carolina to tell people my story and speak on various important issues across our state.” Follow Miss Spartanburg 2013 Clarka Wickliffe as she competes for the Miss South Carolina 2013 crown, July 13 at 7pm in Columbia’s Township Auditorium online at www.miss-sc.org.