Last night, Brittany, a freshman at the University of South Carolina and former Chapin High School student, won first runner-up for Miss Teen USA!

Last year, Brittany was crowned Miss Teen South Carolina before a packed house at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center in North Charleston, SC., Brittany Pjetraj is an 18-year-old freshman at the University of South Carolina. She is the daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Walter and Susan Pjetraj of Chapin, SC. As an “Army Brat,” Brittany has attended seven schools in the past nine years. She loves photography, playing soccer, swimming competitively, and values her faith, her family, and her friends.

Brittany is extremely passionate about volunteering and strives to remain active in her school as well as in the community. She is the Wellness Ambassador for her residence hall, participates in Young Life , and tutors elementary students through the Waverly Program . She is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and holds the office of Scholarship Chair. As an ADPi, she works closely with the Ronald McDonald House in Columbia . Prior to continuing her education as a college student, Brittany was involved in her high school. She was a senator to Student Government through the National Honor Society, the Treasurer of Junior Civitan, Varsity Swim Captain, and select soccer captain. She was also an active member of Beta Club and Class Board. Brittany was instrumental in raising $24,000 through her high school and Good Works for a needy family in the Chapin community. She was selected Homecoming Queen by the entire student body and was able to maintain a 4.4638 grade point average.

Brittany is pursuing a career in the medical field, and had the opportunity to shadow both an orthopedic surgeon and a dermatologist in the clinic and in the operating room. As Miss SC Teen USA 2008, Brittany plans to make many appearances and inspire other teens to become involved in community service.

Earlier this year, Brittany’s grandfather passed away. In reading about him tonight, he seemed to lead a life of service for family and country.

Hat tip to The Palmetto Scoop for posting this news earlier today.