What made you want to go out for the pageant?
K- Just growing up here and always going to the festival. Even though I didn’t know the Strawberry Queen personally, as a guest I always felt that they cared about me in some shape and form. And watching the girls make friendships every year together, I wanted to be a part of that. I’ve heard different girls’ experiences with the pageant and it was always so positive. I wanted to represent our community and help make sure that everyone that goes to the festival felt just as welcomed and loved as I did.
What was your family’s reaction when your name was called?
K- I’m pretty sure I felt the ground shaking. My family has always been super close. My cousin Maddie was First Maid two years ago so watching her go through everything, it kind of built of the excitement for when I was in it. But also, this was my first pageant. I’ve never been on stage or done anything like this before, so me making it into top 10, I thought my mom was going to pass out. Everyone was so excited and then for top five, the ground was shaking. Everyone was so excited. I didn’t think I would make it that far because it was my very first time, but I am so incredibly blessed to have them on my side. That excitement kind of made me feel more confident in myself.
If you could pick one word to sum up your personality, what would it be?
K-“Unexpected.” I was super shy in middle school going into high school, and all of a sudden I wanted to do student government and get more involved in my school. I went through all the motions and now I’m president of my student government. I loved it and I became so involved in school that I wanted to do Strawberry Queen and represent my community in that way as well. You never know whats going to happen with me, I get an idea and follow it through. So yeah, I’d definitely say, “unexpected.”
What are you most excited for at the festival?
K- I’m probably most excited about meeting so many new people. I’m an outgoing person and I’m really looking forward to getting to know people not just in this community, but state and nationwide as well. From a worldwide point of view, we have so many people that come through our gates during the festival and I want to make sure they feel welcome there.
We’ve been locked up for a year. What shows/movies/books/videogames did you binge to get through it?
K- Every Tuesday during pageant rehearsals, we did a rundown of what we watched on Monday. I’m more into the safe shows like “Friends” or “Gilmore Girls.” Those are my go-tos, but lately I’ve also gotten into the Marvel movies. I even have a list of my top five favorites now. It’s so unexpected of me to watch Marvel movies if you know what I usually watch, but I’ve enjoyed it.
Do all of you use TikTok? If so what niche side are you on? BookTok? FoodieTok? AltTok/EliteTok? ArtTok?
K- I’m not sure what the word for it is, so I’m going to call it MomTok. My For You Page is just a lot of home improvement and cooking videos.
What’s next for you?
K- I want to study sports marketing, hopefully at Florida State, but that’s undecided. Then one day I will hopefully work for the Bucs. I love the idea of growing your fanbase and it would mean so much to me to be able to help someone make memories with a team just like I have growing up.
Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with?
K- I love Dolly Parton because of her service side along with her career. She is so successful, but she spends the majority of her time giving back to others. She gives books to children so they can learn to read and have a book of their own. Every time you turn on the news you hear that she’s donating to something new. For my Sweet 16 all I wanted was to go to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and so that’s what we did.
What fictional character do you most relate to?
K- Lorelai Gilmore. Part of it is the caffeine addiction. She’s also very hard-working and knows her responsibilities, but at the same time is always ready to have a night out with her friends.