Brains and Beauty: Chapin High Valedictorian Proves She's One Outstanding Teen

Submitted by Lexington-Richland District Five.

Sarah Roof is an outstanding teen. In fact, she has a title and sash that says as much. 

The Chapin High School 2013 Valedictorian won the South Carolina Outstanding Teen title at the Little Miss South Carolina Pageant on Saturday, June 22. It was the latest in a long list of titles she’s picked up over the years as a student in Lexington-Richland School District Five, including: University of South Carolina-Carolina Scholar, Spanish Honor Society member, Chapin High School Honors Dance Program participant, Beta Club member, National Honor Society member, Varsity SAT Team member, Senior Class President, member of student government and Miss Chapin High School to name a few.

Roof will attend the University of South Carolina’s Honor College in the fall. 

“My parents always taught me to be a giant in somebody else’s life … I’ve been blessed to have a supportive family and people who always encouraged me to be my best,” Roof said. “I try to take the blessing I have and try to help other people. If you’re given a lot, a lot is expected of you.” 

Chapin High School teacher Stephanie Huckabee says Roof has always risen to meet those high expectations.

“I’ve known Sarah for a long time, and she’s an extraordinary young person in and outside of the classroom," Huckabee said. "We’re so proud of her. ” 

Competing in pageants is a new interest for Roof. After winning Miss Chapin High, pageant officials at the school urged her to pursue other titles. She chose the Little Miss South Carolina Pageant because she felt it placed an emphasis on community service, grades and “being well-rounded rather than just beauty.” 

Community service and speaking against childhood obesity are important to Roof, who started a dance program at the YMCA where she works as a counselor. As South Carolina Outstanding Teen, she will encourage others her age to take an active role in making a difference. 

“I think sometimes teenagers get a bad reputation, but being an outstanding teen just means going that extra step and putting all your effort into what you’re doing," Roof said. "It’s about working hard and going that extra mile to prove yourself as an outstanding individual to others. You can surprise others and help others through what you do, even as a teenager.” 

What’s next for Roof? Pursuing a biology degree, internships in a year or two, appearances as South Carolina Outstanding Teen and perhaps another pageant or two in the future, she says. 

“I hope I can become an outstanding woman. I hope to use this title to help other people, do more community service and expand my dance program perhaps,” Roof said. “People think that pageants are about making yourself pretty and walking on the stage, but I tell people pageant girls are some of the smartest girls I know.”