By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Sydney Slaughter began her reign as Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen (MSCOT) 2013 almost one year ago.

She will crown her successor on Friday, July 19, at 7 p.m. at Shelby County High School. MSCOT is part of the Miss Alabama/Miss American Organization. Slaughter’s platform “Salute to the Stars, Recognizing our Veterans” was developed through her love of her grandfather, the late Brig. Gen. Robert Slaughter M.D., who served in the Air Force for 38 years and was chief of staff at the VA Hospital in Birmingham. Slaughter is 14 years old, a freshman at Briarwood Christain School, and the daughter of Roddy Slaughter (Indian Springs) and Terri Moore (Hoover). She dances competitively in ballet, jazz and hip hop.

“My year at MSCOT has been amazing,” said Slaughter. “I loved representing Shelby County in all of the events I participated in. It is always a blessing to see the smiles on people’s faces when I perform my talent or visit the nursing home. I loved hearing stories that the vets told me about their time in the war. I also loved performing at Children’s Hospital and visit with the kids.”

Slaughter has had a very busy year as MSCOT. Some of the events in which she participated were: Columbiana and Montgomery Christmas parades; Liberty Day luncheon and parade; Shelby County’s 195th birthday celebration; performed a Christmas ballet at Children’s Hospital with other teen holders; modeled at Shelby County Arts Council luncheon at First Baptist Church of Columbiana; performed her talent routine at several pageants; hosted the Miss America Tea for the MOT contestants and their rising stars; hosted a party on Veteran’s Day at a nursing home; and managed fundraiser for Indian Springs Village to sell 100 American flags honoring veterans to fly on holidays.

“Managing the flag sales has been wonderful,” said Slaughter. “I sent a letter to people who had loved ones who served. They purchased a flag to honor that someone. I was able to hear many stories as well as get flag purchases!”

“This year was a true blessing. The next Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen is a very lucky girl.”