Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2018Â (1st runner-up at Miss Teen USA), 1st runner-up 2017
A native of Greenwood, Kirby Elizabeth Self was crowned Miss South Carolina USA on 4 March 2023 and represented South Carolina at the Miss USA 2022 pageant. Kirby has a
Kirby Elizabeth Self is a native of Greenwood, SC, and an eighth-generation South Carolinian. An alumna of Clemson University, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Political Science and Women’s Leadership, minoring in Non-Profit Leadership. During her undergraduate, she worked internationally with a team of engineering students, faculty, and community leaders, focusing on sustainable solutions to rebuild the Island of Dominica in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. She then worked in the Department of Student Leadership and Engagement to help coordinate alternative break programs for students seeking volunteer experiences over spring break. Kirby Elizabeth also served as Vice President of Philanthropy and Service, overseeing philanthropy and service efforts for thirteen sororities at Clemson University.
Kirby Elizabeth currently serves as the Upstate coordinator for The Council for Educational Travel USA, a non-profit that partners with the Department of State to facilitate high school exchange programs. Presently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainability with an emphasis in corporate sustainability and innovation from the Harvard Extension School.
As a former track and field athlete, Kirby Elizabeth enjoys volunteering as Coach Kirby for the non-profit, Girls on the Run and is grateful for the opportunity to mentor young girls building self-efficacy, confidence, and leadership skills through this meaningful program.
In Kirby Elizabeth’s spare time, you can find her earning her private pilot’s license, hiking a national park, reading her latest book club read, or taking a long walk with her dog, Bailey.
Throughout her reign, Kirby Elizabeth Self will advocate for female youth development, women in politics, and global sustainability.
The on-stage moments, the tension of the final two and the glory of the crowning, here are Kirby’s state pageant photos.
Lights, camera, action! Professional photoshoots are one of the perks that comes from winning a title.
Kirby placed first runner-up to Alexis Johnson her first year competing at Miss South Carolina Teen USA, and then won the 2018 title. She finished first runner-up to Hailey Colborn at Miss Teen USA 2018.
All beautiful things must come to an end, no matter how bittersweet. See Kirby’s farewell walk and other candids from the weekend she crowned her successor Gracen Grainger as Miss South Carolina USA 2024.
