How did your theater training prepare you for this pageant?
It really helped a lot. Being out on stage and being there with the lights helps with pageants because you’re on stage out in the lights in front of everybody. It helped me with confidence, being able to go out there and speak in front of people. I really think it was positive.
How did you first get interested in doing theater?
I started when I was about 8. I was really shy and didn’t really didn’t talk a whole lot. So my mom stuck me in it and kind of made me do it, but I fell in love with it and from then on I chose to do every show.
What’s your favorite show that you’ve been in?
That would have to be “Guys and Dolls.” I played Sarah in that. It was a lot of fun. There’s a lot of dancing and singing, and it was really cool.
How do you hope to be a role model at Newsome High School?
I hope to encourage more girls at Newsome to get out here and try it. I show steers at the festival so I do have my ties with Plant City. I really hope to encourage them and tell them that it’s a lot of fun and that you meet a lot of great girls and to come out and try for themselves.
What are you most looking forward to about the Florida Strawberry Festival?
I would have to say meeting Josh Turner. I love him, he’s really cute. And Martina McBride, I love her too. And just having fun and meeting all the people at the festival.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.