Lindley Mayer dances to 'Hound Dog,' during the talent portion of the Miss SC Teen Pageant.
By Stephanie F. Norton CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Golden Strip resident Lindley Mayer stole the show when she took the crown July 1 during the finale of the 5th annual Miss South Carolina Teen Pageant.
Mayer, a 16-year-old rising junior at J.L. Mann Academy, accepted the crown and a bouquet of roses with tears in her eyes, and took her first walk as queen, waving and blowing kisses to the cheering audience. She looked up and mouthed "Thank you, God" as she neared the end of her walk.
Earlier in the week, Mayer won two preliminary competitions, talent and physical fitness. For her talent, Mayer performed a high energy tap routine to "Hound Dog," wearing a two piece black costume with a rhinestone studded hot pink collar and belt.
In 1996, Mayer became the Miss South Carolina Organization's very first Palmetto Princess. Palmetto Princesses are girls ages 6-16 who are mentored into the Miss South Carolina Teen Program by their older title-holders.
"This has been my dream for years," Mayer said, catching her breath after the pageant. "I've always looked up to my queens."
Inspired by her 15-year-old brother Brock and 10-year-old sister Brantley, both born with mental and physical disabilities, Mayer shares the message that has motivated and sustained her throughout her young life: "Start making a difference one miracle at a time."
For her platform, L.A.D.Y. Bugs Across America (Lindley's Alliance for Disabled Youth), she received a $500 community service award at Friday night's competition.
One of the greatest thrills of the night for Mayer was having her brother and sister there to share her joy.
Her sister, Brantley, participated on stage in the pageant production as one of 70 Palmetto Princesses.
"It was amazing having Brantley here with me," Mayer said after the pageant. "She's a miracle."
At the end of the pageant, Mayer's brother, Brock, joined her onstage, barely able to contain his excitement.
Mayer leaned over and whispered to him, "You're my angel."
As Miss South Carolina Teen, Mayer receives a $5,000 savings bond and will compete Aug. 17-20 in Orlando, Fla., in the first ever Miss America Outstanding Teen Pageant.
Mayer also won a Teen Community Spirit $1,000 cash business card challenge and was Teen Recognition Page winner, winning a $1,000 savings bond.
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WAY TO GO LINDLEY MAYER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Tribune Times - Lindley Mayer crowned Miss SC Teen
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LOVE YOU ALL IN CHRIST,
CHRISTIAN L.