PALM BEACH COUNTY FLORIDA — More than 300 teens and their mentors from local Police Athletic League (PAL) chapters across the country − including from Palm Beach County − traveled to Washington, D.C. the week of Aug. 18 to take part in the 2025 National PAL Leadership and Mentor Youth Summit.

The four-day event focused on building the “GRIT-Growth Mindset,” a framework that encourages resilience, leadership, and personal development among youth. Participants engaged in workshops on Emotional First Aid, cyber-security and human trafficking awareness led by Department of Homeland Security trainers, and sessions on drug prevention and overcoming adversity.

Palm Beach’s Lou Schieffelin, recently crowned Miss Florida USA 2025, made a surprise appearance alongside her mother, Stacey Schieffelin − a former cover, catalog, and runway model and longtime television personality.

There were more than 300 attendees from 71 chapters, including from Palm Beach County, Hollywood, Coral Gables, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, North Miami Beach and Miramar Beach.

“We know that having a mentor and constructive adult presence, in addition to parental relationships, makes young people safer, helps guide them to prosperous futures, and benefits their communities,” National PAL CEO Chris Hill said.

Founded in 1940, National PAL works to prevent juvenile crime and violence by fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and youth. With more than 300 chapters nationwide, the organization serves more than two million young people annually.

Who is Palm Beach’s Lou Schieffelin?

Lou Schieffelin, who holds the title of Miss Florida USA for the next year, will represent Florida in the Miss USA 2025 competition in the fall of 2025.

She is a recent transplant to Palm Beach County.

Schieffelin, who turned 25 on June 7, 2025, grew up in Connecticut and Orlando, then spent some time in Miami, before moving to Palm Beach “on a whim” a year ago. Even before she edged out 70 other competitors to land the Miss Florida crown in May, her life was busy.

Schieffelin has been modeling professionally for 16 years, is an aspiring pilot and works with Palm Beach luxury real estate agent Margit Brandt’s team as a director of marketing and licensed executive assistant.

Schieffelin is not new to the pageant circuit. The title marks her second on the Miss USA circuit, following her 2018 reign as Miss Florida Teen USA.

What’s next for Lou Schieffelin?

Schieffelin is set to represent Florida at the Miss USA 2025 competition in the fall of 2025. The Miss USA winner represents the United States at the Miss Universe competition, which will be held in November 2025 in Thailand.

In the meantime, Schieffelin will reign as Miss Florida USA for the next year. During that time, she will act as an ambassador for both Florida and the Miss USA organization, attending events and promoting civic involvement, such as the PAL meeting in Washington.

“This whole year is about representing Florida, no matter what happens at Miss USA,” Schieffelin said in June 2025. “That’s kind of how I went into competing for Miss Florida USA. I’m excited.”