What made you decide to compete in the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Pageant, and is this your first time ever competing?
This is my first year competing in Strawberry Queen. I was going to do it last year but I was a senior at Strawberry Crest last year … so I decided that this was a better year for me to fully commit to the position. I go to HCC in Plant City, so I’m able to have a flexible schedule and fully commit to this. I know we do a lot of events in the community and give back to the community and show them what Strawberry Queen’s all about. So, I’m really excited to be a part of that.
What goal do you hope to accomplish within the next year as first maid?
Well, as first maid, I am kind of on the older side of the spectrum. I really hope that the girls on the court can look up to me and come to me for advice. But community-wise, I think all of us have really wanted to push to promote the agricultural industry. That’s what our city is about.
What are you most looking forward to at the Florida Strawberry Festival?
At the festival, I’m looking forward to just being out there, being with all the visitors that are coming to the festival, meeting all the entertainers and just being part of every single event at the festival.
What made you decide to major in business (at HCC)?
Well my dad owns his own company. It’s Hi Performance Designs, selling wheels and tires — mostly wheels. Our family has always had this family business … just the concept of owning a business I think has really interested me through my dad.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.