DHS freshman Aubrey Goodwin to compete for states top crown
Miss DHS with Dr. Greg Harrison
Photo by Will Isgett
By Will Isgett
Contributing Writer
When Aubrey Goodwin entered the Miss Darlington High School pageant, she never imagined that she would begin soon preparing to compete for one of the state’s most sought after titles.
After Goodwin won the title over 21 other contestants, she was given the opportunity to represent the school at the 2016 Miss South Carolina Teen pageant in Columbia- with the graces of Darlington High School principal Dr. Greg Harrison.
The pageant is part of the Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, which is the largest provider for scholarship for young women in the nation.
“It exciting but nerve wracking at the same time,” Goodwin said. “I never thought I’d win the title since I was a freshman.”
Any contestant can win the Miss Darlington High School title, and Goodwin follows in the footsteps of fellow winners Murphy Lee and Blaine Eads.
Lee represented the school in the 2014 Miss South Carolina pageant as Miss Falcon (due to her being 17 years of age and had to use that title because Miss America rules state that a high school title winner cannot walk across the stage in a swimsuit and use the school name). Since Goodwin is only a freshman, she qualifies to be a teen contestant; with no swimsuit competition, she is able to use the title Miss Darlington High School Teen.
Miss Darlington High School was Goodwin’s first pageant ever, and competing at state will be a first time experience as well.
“I feel very special to have won the crown,” Goodwin said. “I want to use it not only to promote my school, but also my platform.”
Goodwin has chosen “Cancer Awareness and Prevention” as her platform due to having a good friend named Lauren who was diagnosed with Leukemia and passed away when she was 10. She saw the ups and downs that her friend went through, and wants to help make everyone aware of it. Her grandmother also has been diagnosed with cancer, and it has resurfaced for the fourth time.
She has plans of visiting local patients suffering from childhood cancers, and will form a Relay for Life Team. She has already had the opportunity to speak at a Relay for Life banquet and will also speak to other various groups in the area.
“I got word the other day that my grandmother isn’t doing good,” Goodwin said. “So I’m not sure how much longer it’s going be. I want to be able to make a difference with my platform.”
Goodwin has also made several appearances since being crowned with many more to come.
She rode in the Darlington Christmas parade and assisted at the Darlington Christmas Marketplace. She also attended the Miss West Florence High School pageant and has plans of attending Brunch with Santa at Darlington High School, the Miss Camden pageant, The Miss Florence pageant and will also be a part of Darlington Martin Luther King celebration.
All of this on top of being a student in Darlington High School’s Early Honors College.
“I want to be an inspiration to all of the students at Darlington High School,” Goodwin said. “It means a lot that I was chosen.”
Dr. Harrison is very happy to have a student of Aubrey’s character and background representing the school.
“We fully support Aubrey and wish her the best of luck throughout the year,” Harrison said. “We’re honored to have someone like Aubrey to represent our school.”
Goodwin is the daughter of Stanley and Suzie Goodwin, who both teach in the Darlington County School District.
