Lexington, SC – A Rising Star Shines Bright
In the heart of Lexington, South Carolina, a shining star named Vivienne Fonte is making waves far beyond her hometown. This 13-year-old dynamo not only captured the coveted title of 2024 American United Miss Preteen but also garnered several awards that highlight her incredible talents and unwavering spirit. Competing as Miss Clemson Preteen, Vivienne didn’t just flaunt her poise and grace; she proved to the judges that her heart and dedication to community service are equally impressive.
A Journey of Triumph
Vivienne’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Diagnosed with Autism just before her third birthday, she has been vocal about her experiences with social skills therapy and the bullying she faced as a child. In her heartfelt interview, she opened up about her struggles, passionately sharing her belief that it’s important to prioritize “progress over perfection” and embrace the unique quirks that make us who we are.
Using her social media platforms, Vivienne shares her journey and connects with those facing similar hurdles, aiming to inspire others to accept and celebrate their individuality.
A Heart for Service
Alongside her pageant pursuits, Vivienne has a deep-rooted passion for service. This year alone, she has dedicated over 165 hours to various projects, earning her the Gold Presidential Service Award from the White House! Her commitment to her community hasn’t gone unnoticed. Both the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate have recognized her efforts, and she will soon receive recognition from the Lexington County Council for her inspiring contributions.
Vivienne’s recent service initiatives are as commendable as they are diverse. From donating nonperishable items to local Blessing Boxes to stocking Little Free Libraries, her service is all about enriching her community. She also created “pampering pouches” for oncology patients in memory of her beloved Meme and supported hurricane relief in Western North Carolina.
Making a Difference for Foster Children
One of the most impactful aspects of Vivienne’s service is her personal platform, “Have Faith.” This heartfelt initiative arose from the tragic loss of her cousin, Kimberly Faith Taylor, to child abuse—a case known throughout South Carolina. Through “Have Faith,” Vivienne provides hope and support to children in foster care, demonstrating that tough times can be overcome.
Her efforts include organizing donation drives for essentials, clothing, and even Christmas gifts, along with her “Birthday in a Bag” kits for foster children. In a powerful moment of courage, she delivered her victim impact statement during Kimberly’s trial, standing up for justice and change.
Building a Community Together
Vivienne believes in the power of teamwork, and she actively leads “Quarterly Queen Service Days,” where fellow pageant titleholders rally together to serve the Lexington community. Their recent events included a Senior Citizen Spa Day where they showered elderly women with love and pampering. They also organized a Back-to-School event to collect supplies for local Title 1 classrooms and even recorded reading videos for students.
Finding Joy Beyond Competition
Despite her overflowing schedule, Vivienne knows how to strike a balance. On her Fridays off from school, she makes it a point to volunteer, staying active in the community she loves. In her downtime, she enjoys cheering for Gray Collegiate, indulging in baking, singing her heart out, casting a line while fishing, and making cherished memories with her family.
Vivienne Fonte is a true embodiment of resilience, compassion, and the spirit of service, reminding everyone in and around Lexington, SC, that anyone can make a difference, no matter their age!
