ORLANDO, Fla. -- Think balancing time between work and home is difficult? How about school, volleyball, modeling and Miss Florida Teen USA duties.
- Lou Schieffelin started competing in pageants at the age of 8
- Her mother Stacey was a Ford International model for 20 years
- Wants to focus on making legislative change when she graduates
That’s exactly what Lou Schieffelin does as she is a senior at The First Academy in Orlando. This fall she is using all her pageantry skills to etch out a bigger role on the varsity volleyball team.
The closet is to die for, racks of shoes, jewelry and crowns—lots of crowns. This room in the Schieffelin home dedicated to Lou and her decade of competing in pageants.
“Her smile, that moment she hit that stage,” Stacey Schieffelin described. “I thought she was going to be afraid and scared but she just got out there and she came alive.”
Last December Lou Schieffelin won the state’s highest teen crown.
“In pageantry they usually call the girl that was honored to be first runner-up first. For me when I didn’t hear my name, it was kinda a step back, you’re shocked at first. People say you have no words to describe it and honestly that’s the truth,” Lou said of winning Miss Florida Teen USA.
During her time serving as Miss Florida Teen USA, the 18-year-old has created a mentorship program, has worked with law makers to push House Bill 33 to end texting and driving in Florida. She's also making countless community appearances across the state and logging over 800 volunteer hours.
This fall her approach shifts as she trades in jewels for a jersey.
“Oh I think definitely that helped the leadership side of things,” TFA Head Volleyball Coach Dan Hedger said. “She stepped up to be a leader for this team, this year and for us we needed it.”
Schieffelin will play all 6-rotations on the court for the First Academy and is a team captain this year. While the goal is to win a state championship there are no special perks because she carries a crown.
“It’s not something that is talked about because when I am at school I am a student and an athlete –then when I am home I am dedicated to being Miss Florida Teen USA,” Schieffelin added.
Managing all these different hats was a concern for her coaches, but she's found a way to ace the test.
“Honestly she has scheduled her time so well,” Hedger explained. “Between the pageantry, the modeling and volleyball she has not missed anything with us. Which I think speaks volumes to the girls.”
Lou Schieffelin—beauty queen—leader—influencer—the senior using all of her platforms to define herself and lift up those all around her.
“She really puts focus into things. She’s present, she’s passionate, she’s preservers and she practices," Stacey Schieffelin said of her daughter.
“To have seen me 10-years ago and be like you are the same kid because I was so shy –it really does bring you out of your bubble and out of your shell,” Lou added.