MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Nineteen year-old Catherine Wong originally of Chevy Chase, MD was crowned 2016 Miss Berkeley County and 16-year-old Paris Rizzo of Summerville was crowned 2016 Miss Berkeley County Teen.
The young ladies competed for the titles at a scholarship/beauty pageant on February 6 at Pinopolis Methodist Church in Moncks Corner.
Catherine, an education major at College of Charleston, was awarded a $500 scholarship, beating six other competitors for the title. She took part in an interview with the judges, on-stage Q&A, evening gown, talent, and swimsuit competition during the pageant.
“I’m looking forward to being Miss Berkeley County for the next year and really getting to know the community!”
As Miss Berkeley County, Catherine hopes to spread awareness of education disparities in rural counties versus those that are more developed, which was her platform during the pageant. She says she’s always wanted to work in education and says that moving to South Carolina for college really opened her eyes to the fact that not all children are getting the quality education they deserve, mainly in very rural areas.
“They can’t receive the same funding because of the property values. It’s really terrible that there are students that have to go to school with no heat, no air conditioning. They are studying from books dated back to 1940s saying one day man will walk on the moon, and it’s 2016,” Catherine said. “I want to make sure every student in South Carolina has a fair opportunity.”
Summerville High School student Paris Rizzo competed on the platform of preventing animal abuse. She says it all goes back to when she was just five her boxer-bulldog has been badly beaten in her previous home.
“She was the best dog I ever had. I want to prevent other animals from experiencing this,” Paris said.
She’s excited and honored to represent Berkeley County. “It has opened up so many opportunities to raise awareness for my platform, the prevention of animal abuse, as well as a chance to set an example for other girls to gain the confidence to take center stage,” she says.
Both women will now have a chance to compete in the statewide Miss South Carolina and Miss South Carolina Teen in June. They will spend the year representing Berkeley County, gathering sponsorships, taking part in community service, and making local appearances at various events.
Congratulations to both young women!
About Miss Berkeley County:
- Name: Catherine Wong
- Age: 19
- Hometown: Chevy Chase, MD
- Education: Education major at College of Charleston
- Plans for future professionally: wants to become and educator with “Teach for America,” a program with incentives to get quality teachers in low income areas
- Hobbies: Doing community service projects with her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, reading (Harry Potter is her favorite!), dancing, and the beach
- How she will represent Berkeley County: Plans to make appearances at various schools or events and talk about education inequalities to spread awareness
About Miss Berkeley County Teen:
- Name: Paris Rizzo
- Age: 16
- Hometown: Summerville, SC
- Education: Summerville High School student
- Plans for future professionally: pursue career as OBGYN
- Hobbies: SHS Varsity cheerleader, dance, art, soccer, weightlifting, volunteering, and community service
- How she will represent Berkeley County: Wants to find a way to build a new animal shelter between Dorchester and Berkeley Counties
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