The Florida Strawberry Festival has always been such a special place to me since the first time I went at age 3. From the welcoming community to the exciting experiences, it has continuously held a special place in my heart. Being the Strawberry Queen this year, I’ve had the opportunity to grow a new love and appreciation for the festival as I have gotten to see it from a new angle.
To begin, I want to send a huge thank you to all of the volunteers and staff who put together every aspect of the festival. Each one of you has helped make the 2023 festival a true winner and I can not thank you enough for all of the work you do to make the festival such a wondrous experience for all.
To Mr. Paul and Mr. Kyle, thank you so much for every laugh and smile you brought to the court and I throughout the past year. From early morning drives to walking us out on late nights, you truly made this year one to remember. We are honored to have been both your final court and first. To Uncle Timmy, thank you for always keeping an eye on us and making sure we were safe and sound. To all of the festival Directors and their spouses, thank you for becoming our second family and making a home away from home with your love and support this year.
To the Lions Club, thank you for sponsoring and providing the girls and I with this incredible opportunity. From putting on an organized and honorable pageant to providing each of us with scholarships, we are grateful for your support. To Ms. Gail and Mr. George, we are so appreciative of every bit of work you have put into this pageant. All of your love and care truly makes the experience of being the strawberry queen and court unique.
To our strawberry moms, Ms. Donna and Ms. Lori, thank you for every bit of love and support you have shown us 5. You have been two of our biggest advocates over the past year and like second moms to us all. To Ms. Lori, thank you for showing us the true example of a sincere, polite woman and always making sure to capture our memories on camera. Your genuine kindness and positivity give the girls and I an invigorating energy each time you are near. To Ms. Donna, thank you for showing us how to be strong women through this past year. Throughout our ups and downs, you have always been there to lift us up. Your support has been so encouraging to us all. We love you both so much and look forward to growing up to become strong, Christian women just like you.
To my Brunette Barbies, I have been so blessed to have gotten the chance to know each of you. This experience has brought me many honors, but none of which compares to getting to call you my sisters. Each of you has made an impact on my life and I look forward to the years of friendship that is to come to each of us.
Jaida Paige- thank you so much for always being my ‘right-hand man’. You are the most beautiful of sleeping beauties I know, both inside and out. You have held yourself with such grace over the past year. Without your support, this year would not have been possible and I thank you for everything.
Momma Addi- thank you for looking out for all four of us at all times. From helping with hair and makeup to making sure we all weren’t acting foolish, you have been the glue that holds us together this year. Thank you for being the best big sister I could have asked for.
My twin, FBI Fe- thank you for always being such a supportive friend. You have always been there to listen to my craziest new story while being the greatest passenger and secret keeper. I love you big.
Kaleigh – my favorite future influencer. You made this year truly one of a kind in the best way possible. You have the biggest heart and smile of anyone else I’ve met. Thank you for teaching me your love for Jesus and for others.
Thank you to all of my family and friends who have supported me on this journey. Your love has been such a blessing. I want to give a huge thank you to my best friend and mom all in one. You have been my biggest supporter and I have no clue what I would do without you. I love you more than anything in this world. Thank you for every late night you stayed up with me practicing interview and walking and for every Ulta run you’ve made for me. I love you so much.
And finally, thank you to Plant City for supporting me every step of the way through this process. As I get ready to go off into the world on my own, the love of my hometown will stay with me for the rest of my life. As my reign comes to an end, I thank every person who has supported us over the past year. We are so honored to have had the opportunity to serve as your 2023 Queen and Court. It will be held in our hearts forever.