COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) -- For more than 75 years women across the state have shared reactions to being crowned Miss South Carolina, but for Ali Rogers, the current Miss Laurens County, the real meaning of being crowned goes further.

"I think it's critical that girls realize it's more than just a crown and the title," says Rogers.

And Ali would know, she won Miss South Carolina Teen in 2009.

"You don't compete, win the crown and some money and go home and crown the girl next year, you work, it's a job," says Rogers.

Three years later, Ali is back here hoping to get that job.

"I think what makes Miss South Carolina is the passion," says Rogers.

Already she's won the preliminary swimsuit competition, just as the current Miss South Carolina, Bree Boyce did one year ago.

"It's not about a crash diet, it's not about spending hours at the gym everyday, it's a lifestyle change," says Rogers.

Speaking of lifestyles, every year the Miss South Carolina organization donates a combined $10 million in scholarships, changing the lives of many of the contestants here.

"Absolutely incredible and that's why this organization compared to so many others is so outstanding. There are so many girls who may not be in school if they hadn't of had that opportunity to get that scholarship money from winning even a local pageant," says Rogers.

But the stage these girls are getting ready to compete on is much bigger than the local level and Ali says the title up for grabs has steep requirements.

"The four parts of the Miss America crown are style, scholarship, success and to me most importantly, service," say Rogers.

A crown that will soon be worn by a new, Miss South Carolina.

The Miss South Carolina pageant will be held Saturday, July 14, 2012 at the Township Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.