Q. What is it about Plant City that you cherish?
A. Plant City is a small town with a huge heart. The people in this community not only are so close because it’s such a small town, but we’re also so close because of the festival.
Q. When you saw past contestants make it to the Top 5, did you think that could be you?
A. I also grew up my entire life watching the Strawberry Queens and seeing how they interact with people. I wanted to do that. I felt like it is my calling to love this community. I prayed so much about this pageant, and so much about what it means to me and how I would use my platform to advocate for something positive. I would love the opportunity to be a positive influence.
Q. What are great hang-out spots in Plant City?
A. Downtown Plant City is the heart of Plant City, the roots where everything originated. I feel like those roots have blossomed into something beautiful. Krazy Kup is one of my personal favorites. I like a good ice coffee.
Q. What was your favorite
segment from the queen pageant?
A. I would have to say my personal favorite was the opening number. Before the pageant, we all had these jitters. Oh my goodness, we’re about to portray ourselves to hundreds of people in the crowd and it’s so nerve-racking to be in front of people sometimes. For me, I love the opening number because you just let loose and have fun with a group of girls that you know and love.
Q. What were you thinking when your name was called out in the Top 5?
A. Honestly, it was a moment of complete, utter shock. Nothing had really set in yet. I vividly remember my mimmie (grandmother), who’s my No. 1 supporter, and she shook both her fists in the air and was screaming. I love and care for her so much.
Q. How did the support system from your loved ones motivate you?
A. My family is everything to me. I am very much family oriented, and to have my family support through this whole process, I feel so blessed and so incredibly appreciative.
Q. If you could incorporate
anything into Plant City, what would it be?
A. Plant City is very well-rounded with things to do…but something like a super, fancy restaurant would be so much fun.