Staff Writer

Promoting a platform combining arts and foster kids has lead a Pomaria woman to become Mrs. South Carolina, Saturday.

At the first of the year, Kim Sullivan decided to run for the title to get out her platform of using the arts to work with children in foster care.

“I believe that using the arts can reach children who are not great in academics,“ said Sullivan, who was adopted and is an art teacher. She also believes that children in foster care can benefit and use arts as an outlet.

The 45-year-old added that she also wanted to represent the over-40 woman and show that being over the big four-0 is a new journey. She was also the oldest person in the competition.

To enter the pageant, held yearly at the Newberry Opera House, a contestant must choose an area to represent. For the Pomaria native, Newberry County was a natural choice.

“A Mrs. Newberry County has never won Mrs. South Carolina,“ said the mother of three.

After a talk with her husband and children, Sullivan decided to enter the beauty contest.

“I am at a time in my life where I am really happy,“ said Sullivan, adding the death of her father a year earlier prevented her from entering the contest last year.

Sullivan said going into the competition that she knew she had to be in great physical shape, especially to get up on the Opera House stage in a swimsuit.

Her quest for fitness began at the “Back in Shape“ gym in Chapin.

“I changed how I take care of my body and I am eating better,“ said Sullivan, who went from a size 10 to a size two in about six months

The hard work in the gym and eating healthy has not only gotten Sullivan in shape but her family has also starting making health habits.

In addition to winning the title of Mrs. South Carolina on Saturday, Sullivan also took home the fitness and photogenic awards.

The win will take Sullivan to the nationally televised Mrs. America pageant in Tucson, Ariz.

“I am excited to take Newberry County and the state to the nation,“ said Sullivan.

The national pageant will run from Aug. 25 until Sept. 2.

Sullivan is married to Sully Sullivan and they have three children Karamine, 17; Tanner, 15; and Skyler, 12.

She plans to set up a blog sight so locals can follow her adventure to Mrs. America.