What made you decide to enter this pageant?
Well, as a little kid I’ve grown up watching the strawberry queens and the court, and they do so much to help our community out. So I just think seeing them as a role model for me definitely made me want to do it.
Why do you want to study film?
Performing has always been a huge passion of mine, and so I’ve really taken on the challenge of putting myself out there. I was part of a performing group called the Next Radical Generation (NRG) a couple years ago, so that really gave me the confidence and the passion to do what I love.
What are you most looking forward to about the Florida Strawberry Festival?
There’s so much I cannot wait to do. I can’t wait to get more involved with the girls and really get to meet some of the directors and just the people at the festival. I know a lot of little girls and even older people look up to the queen and her court, and I want to make an impact on their life.
What is your favorite thing about Plant City?
The historic downtown district. It’s awesome to see the train depot and really the history of Plant City come together and see what we’re built on.
What message do you hope to send to people who look up to you?
Love yourself. It’s so easy to compare yourself to other people. That’s definitely one thing I learned throughout the whole entire pageant. Don’t let your insecurity keep you from who you are. Just love yourself, and love what makes you you.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.