Cayce, SC Celebrates a Remarkable Young Achiever
In the vibrant community of Cayce, South Carolina, excitement is in the air! A wonderful young lady named Vivienne Fonte, only 13 years old, has recently snagged the coveted title of the 2024 American United Miss Preteen. That’s right! The exceptional eighth grader from Gray Collegiate Academy wasn’t just competing for a crown; she was also representing Miss Clemson Preteen while charming the judges with her poise and heartfelt story.
A Journey Filled with Inspiration
Vivienne’s path to victory was no ordinary one. She took home several prestigious awards during the event, including the Community Service Award and Junior Division Spokesmodel Award. She also dazzled everyone with her stunning photogenic skills, earning the title of Preteen Color Photogenic and even snagging the spot as 1st Runner-Up in Casual Wear.
But what truly sets Vivienne apart is her incredible spirit and resilience. Diagnosed with Autism at a young age, she faced numerous challenges throughout her life. However, she hasn’t let her diagnosis define her. Instead, Vivienne uses her platform to shine a light on her experiences — speaking openly about overcoming the odds, dealing with bullying, and celebrating the idea that “progress over perfection” is what truly matters. That’s a message we can all appreciate!
Giving Back to the Community
Vivienne’s passion for service is commendable. Just this year alone, she has logged in over 165 hours of volunteer work, which awarded her the prestigious Gold Presidential Service Award from the White House. As if that wasn’t enough, her dedication has caught the attention of lawmakers too! Both the South Carolina House of Representatives and the South Carolina Senate have recognized her efforts, and Lexingon County Council is set to honor her next week. That’s what we call a community hero!
Some of her latest contributions include donating nonperishable items to local Blessing Boxes, stocking Little Free Libraries, and generously giving pampering pouches to LMC Oncology in memory of her beloved Meme. She has also been involved in hurricane relief efforts in Western North Carolina — talk about a heart of gold!
Creating Change Through Personal Loss
One of Vivienne’s most impactful initiatives, “Have Faith”, was born from tragedy when she lost her cousin, Kimberly Faith Taylor, to child abuse in a widely followed South Carolina case. Through this heartfelt endeavor, she provides hope and support to children in foster care, showing them that tough times eventually pass. She has organized drives for vital necessities like hygiene products and clothing, as well as created “Birthday in a Bag” kits to ensure foster children can celebrate their special day.
Uniting for a Greater Cause
Vivienne doesn’t just work alone; she’s on a mission to bring others together too! Her organized “Quarterly Queen Service Days” gather fellow pageant titleholders to contribute to their communities as a team. Some recent events featured a delightful Senior Citizen Spa Day, where they pampered elderly women, and a Back-to-School event that collected supplies for local classrooms in need.
Staying Busy and Making Memories
When she’s not busy volunteering or working on her platform, this remarkable young lady still makes time for fun! Vivienne loves cheering on her peers at Gray Collegiate, diving into baking, and enjoying activities like singing, fishing, and spending quality time with her family. Oh, and did we mention she’s also a proud Junior Volunteer with the Columbia Junior League?
Amidst all her achievements at just 13, one thing is clear: Vivienne Fonte is a shining star in Cayce and beyond — a true inspiration for her community and an advocate for those who need it most. We can’t wait to see what wonderful things she will do next!
