Spartanburg, South Carolina
July 29 - August 1, 2026
$2,000 Cash Scholarship + $12,000 in Gifts, Services, & Sponsorships
$2,000 Cash Scholarship + $12,000 in Gifts, Services, & Sponsorships
Kinley Stepp
Kinley Stepp, the reigning Miss Palmetto Teen, is a freshman at the University of Mississippi, where she is pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy. On campus, Kinley is proudly involved as an Ole Miss Diamond Girl for the Rebel baseball team and is an active member of the Delta Gamma sorority.
Inspired by her mother’s journey with epilepsy, Kinley created her S.E.R.V.E. Initiative, STEPP Up for Epilepsy, a platform dedicated to promoting seizure first aid, safety education, and advocacy. In partnership with the National Epilepsy Foundation, Kinley works to raise awareness and provide life-saving information to students, families, and communities across both South Carolina and Mississippi.
As an Epilepsy Awareness Ambassador, Kinley is passionate about using her voice, title, and personal story to empower others, break stigmas surrounding epilepsy, and ensure more people feel prepared to respond in critical moments.
Phases of Competition
-
Palmetto Teen Contestants: 4-minute total interview
No closing statement or final remarks
Judges are looking for: Communication skills, personality and poise, overall ability to represent the Miss Palmetto Teen program
-
Designed to feature the contestant, not the gown
Judges will consider:
Confidence and composure
Personality and poise
Stage presence and first impression
-
On-stage competition promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle
Judged on:
Confidence
Charisma
Dedication to mind–body wellness
Palmetto Teen Contestants will compete in athletic wear of their choice. No swimsuits.
TEEN Eligibility Requirements:
In order to meet age requirements to compete in a State Pageant, a Contestant must be at least 13 years of age and must not be older than 18 years of age as of the day she competes, is crowned or appointed as the Local or State Titleholder.
Apply Now
Please Venmo $399 for your State Entry Fee to @missscvolunteer to complete your registration, along with payment for your sash ($100) and crown ($150) if you ordered either of those. Please contact us if payment arrangements are needed.
Entry Fee must be paid in full before a sash or crown may be ordered.These items may take up to 4 weeks to receive, and sashes must be ordered by June 1, 2026.
*Please send it as a “gift” to avoid any additional fees by either party, and list participant name and what the payment is for with all Venmo transactions Once you have submitted your fees, please email pageant director to indicate you have paid.*