Leighton is a dedicated educator and community advocate with a deep commitment to both her profession and her local community. By day, she is a passionate 4K teacher at Lexington/Richland District 5 in South Carolina, where she works to foster the development and growth of young children. Her enthusiasm for education is matched by her role as the assistant director and instructor for the Broadway Bound Musical Theatre Company in Columbia, SC, where she nurtures young talent and helps cultivate a love for the arts.

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Leighton is deeply invested in her platform, "The District 5 Foundation," which focuses on providing essential support to students and teachers within her district. The foundation plays a pivotal role in addressing the needs of students who may struggle with food insecurity by offering snack packs for the weekend. It also funds creative projects that teachers wish to implement in their classrooms and provides emergency funding for families facing hardships. Leighton’s passion for this cause is rooted in her personal connection to the district, as she attended its schools and has lived in the community her entire life. She witnesses firsthand the positive impact of the foundation, which drives her dedication to making a difference.

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In recognition of her talents and dedication, Leighton represented South Carolina at the national level this past summer. At the nationals, she triumphed by winning the national talent competition with an impressive song and tap routine. Additionally, she earned the Spokesmodel Award, which she received for her heartfelt discussion of her platform. Her outstanding performance was further recognized with the highest interview score of all the delegates, demonstrating her skill and poise in articulating her message and vision.

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Leighton is also proud to be part of South Carolina Miss Plus America (SCMPA) family, where she was honored as the supreme winner of the 2024 state competition. This accomplishment reflects her excellence not only in the arts but also in her commitment to community service, leadership, and advocacy.