KellieAnne Kirkland is part of the 2021 Strawberry Queen's Court.
What made you want to go out for the pageant?
K- Back in 2015, the Queen at the time was Samantha Sun. I performed at Empty Bowls and I was sick at the time so my vocals were not up to par. I was just critiquing the way I sounded and upset with the fact that I knew I could do better, and Samantha came up to me and said how amazing I was and encouraged me to never stop singing. Just the way she engaged with me, I’ve never forgotten it. She brought me so much joy and made me feel so great about myself. That memory really made me want to do the pageant. I want to use my time on the Court to make other people feel the way I did.
What was your family’s reaction when your name was called?
K- My brother, his girlfriend was a really big part of helping me prepare and get ready for this. My brother had to hold her and my mom down when my number was called. They were screaming and clapping and crying. They were all so excited.
If you could pick one word to sum up your personality, what would it be?
K- I feel like the best word is “confident.” That’s a big part of who I am. Growing up, I had to learn who I really was and how to determine my skills as a person. My mom aways taught me the importance of being who I am and not who other people want me to be. I told the judges I want to teach young girls to love who they are like my mom taught me.
What are you most excited for at the festival?
K- Definitely the food. I am so excited for the food: the Amish doughnut, the chocolate-covered bacon. My dad and I always used to go get an Amish doughnut. And I found out Avery’s never had one, so that is one of my main goals while we are there. After all, festival calories don’t count.
We’ve been locked up for a year. What shows/movies/books/videogames did you binge to get through it?
K- “Cobra Kai” and “The Umbrella Academy.” I’m very into the “Stranger Things” vibe so I’ve been watching a lot of those types of shows. Oh and I love “Star Wars.” I’ve been watching those a lot as well.
Do all of you use TikTok? If so what niche side are you on? BookTok? FoodieTok? AltTok/EliteTok? ArtTok?
K- Dog and Food TikTok and Christian TikTok.
What’s next for you?
K- I plan to go to a four-year university. I want to study broadcast and communications to be an ESPN reporter.
Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with?
K- Dolly Parton. She is my role model. I am obsessed with Dolly Parton. She was such an influence on my singing. I have so many memories of growing up and listening to her music with my family and friends.
What fictional character do you most relate to?
K- Hannah Montana. I’m a singer and the personalities just match.
