What made you want to go out for the pageant?
K- Growing up, I was always involved in pageants around Plant City and as I got older, I always looked up to Strawberry Queen and the Court and I always wanted to be a part of that. Plant City is a big family-oriented community and it’s a great program to be a part of.
What was your first thought when your name was called?
K- I was in pure shock. Growing up I always wanted to do this pageant, and in the past 17 years I’ve put a lot of hard work in leading up to the pageant. So once my name was called it was like a moment of relief because it was as if all of this hard work had paid off.
What was your family’s reaction?
K- The first thing I saw whenever my name was called was my whole family jumping out of their seats. They were the first people I saw and I know they were so excited for me. They’ve been so supportive through this entire process, and like Meghan said, my dad and mom from the get-go were more nervous than I was, so they were freaking out. They were very happy for me and excited.
Do you have a piece of advice for someone going out next year?
K- Just have fun with it. This pageant is such a good experience for young girls and it gets them involved in the community. It shows them a new experience and it gives you so many new friends and I think you really just need to have fun with it and try not take it too seriously. It will make it more enjoyable.
If you could pick one word to sum up your personality, what would it be?
K- I would definitely say “laid-back.” I’m a very easygoing person. I try not to let things get to me, I try to let things roll off my shoulders. I definitely get that from my dad. He’s a really laidback person.
What is your favorite place to spend an afternoon in Plant City?
K- I would say Beef ‘O’ Brady’s. I love Beef’s and all of my friends love Beef’s and we go there after every sporting event. It’s our go-to place and I love chicken wings.
Do you have a secret talent?
K- I’m double-jointed.
What are you most excited for at the festival?
K- I’m also excited to meet everyone in Plant City. This is the event everyone in Plant City comes to every year. They plan their entire calendars around this, so I’m just excited to see different faces and meet new people around the community.
What band are you most looking forward to?
K- Mine is Reba. Whenever I was in eighth grade I had back surgery and I was literally stuck in my house. Her TV show was on every day during the day and I would watch it over and over again and I fell in love with her.
What festival food are you most excited to eat?
K- Corn dogs. I could eat corn dogs all day, every day.