What made you want to go out for the pageant?
E- I know for me, not only was it a dream come true, but I did it because I want to give back to the community that has given me so much. I know that Meghan and I competed last year and I had grown so much as a person. So doing it this year, it wasn’t even for the opportunity I could potentially have, it was for the chance to grow even more as a person through this process.
What was your first thought when your name was called?
E – I was the fourth one called and not only was I overjoyed because I was going to be a part of something so amazing, but the three girls who were called before me, I was so excited to serve on the court with. That made it even better because I love these girls and I was so thrilled I get to be a part of this. That was the best part.
What was your family’s reaction?
E- My family is really the backbone of who I am and everything I do they are so supportive. I have a five-year-old sister and the best part is when they were finally allowed up on the stage after, she came up and gave me the biggest hug and said, “Sissy, Sissy, you won because I prayed to God.” She said that she was praying the whole time for me and that just put it into perspective that I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing it for everyone else, too. That moment was just my family summed up.
Do you have a piece of advice for someone going out next year?
E- I would definitely say my best piece of advice is not only to be who you are, like the other girls said, but to know your values and do it for the right reason. You’re not doing it to be in a pageant, you’re doing it to represent your community and be an ambassador for your town. Study your facts, know why you’re doing this and remember that this isn’t for us, this is for the Man upstairs.
If you could pick one word to sum up your personality, what would it be?
E- I would say I’m a positive realist. I always want to see the positive in everything, but I also know what’s probably going to happen and I’m very real about things.
What is your favorite place to spend an afternoon in Plant City?
E- I would have to say the bowling alley. It is the most “home” place in town I can think of. I’ve had so many birthday parties there growing up and it’s just a fun place in town to go.
Do you have a secret talent?
E- I am an equestrian. I have ridden horses my whole life.
What are you most excited for at the festival?
E- I would say I’m most excited for using my platform for good. Every time I have the opportunity I want to be able to share who I’m doing this for, which is God, and being able to meet little girls and share my story. I know when I was little, I looked up to the Queen and thought of her as someone who was higher than me, a real inspiration. I want to meet others and just love on them and hopefully be a good role model, but also be someone they consider as a friend, someone that’s equal.
What band are you most looking forward to?
E- I’m super excited for Sara Evans. Not only do I love her music, but she’s an artist that my mom would play when we were little. I get to meet her and my mom is super jealous, but she’s an artist I grew up listening too so I’m really looking forward to it.
What festival food are you most excited to eat?
E- I’m excited for Spivey’s because I actually used to work there during the festival when I was younger.