When 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Court member SaraGrace Elizabeth Sparkman, daughter of Tom and Katie Sparkman, was on stage waiting for the court members to be announced and heard her name called, she was surprised.
“I was calm and at peace while I was waiting for the names to be read because I knew it was all in God’s hands with how He wants to work with me,” said the teen.
Then they called her name. “It still hasn’t sunk in that I’m a court member for the Florida Strawberry Festival,” she said. “I can’t wait to experience this with the other court members.”
Sparkman, a junior at Plant City High School and lifelong Plant City resident, spends much of her time volunteering at community events, including Tim Tebow Night to Shine, Raider Buddies Club, Top Button Boutique, in the nursery at her church and at the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Volunteerism is so near and dear to her heart that when she was asked the impromptu question about her favorite extracurricular activity, her thoughts immediately turned to her time volunteering at the Festival. “My favorite is Special Smiles Day, it was new last year where more than 300 kids (with special needs) just got to be kids for one day,” she said. “They shut off all the lights and sounds. They taught me so many things about myself and to live life to the fullest every single day and just be happy and smile all the time. I was so blessed to be a part of it.”
A combination of girly girl and student athlete, Sparkman was on the school’s Varsity Flag Football team her sophomore year and Varsity Cheer team this year but also is in her school’s Cosmetology program. After she graduates, she plans to go to New York City to further her cosmetology education, and wants to open her salon chair to individuals with disabilities.
Q: What is your experience in pageantry?
Since I was five years old, I grew up doing Junior Royalty pageants. In 2016, I was a part of the Little Miss Plant City Court. In 2023, I was Miss April for Plant City High School’s Calendar Girl. Last year, I was a top ten finalist in the Queen’s pageant.
Q: What’s your favorite part of Florida Strawberry Festival?
My favorite part is the new event, Special Smiles Day. Growing up I got to be a part of many events with individuals with disabilities so last year I got to help out and it was just the best experience ever. I got to hang out with my cousin who has autism and spend the whole day having fund and riding rides. Their laughter and smiles was just so amazing and it was such a blessing to be a part of that last year.
Q: What’s your favorite Florida Strawberry Festival food?
Everybody judges me but mine is the chocolate covered bacon from Maverick’s Chocolate Barn. It’s the best! You dip the bacon in the chocolate.
Q: Who’s your role model and why?
Mine is definitely my mom. She’s taught me to always look at the positive in every situation and be kind to whoever you meet because you never know what they might be going through. She’s encouraged me to be the best me I can be. She’s such a hard worker and has taught me such good morals and how to be a hard worker.
Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach your goal?
I have two. First my immediate family and my festival family. I grew up here so I have a lot of “aunts and uncles” and they were just cheering me on throughout the whole process. Secondly, Jessi Rae Varnum pushed me to be the best version of myself I can be so I can help my community the most.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about your year on the Court?
Mine is definitely getting to make my mark on the festival and town. Growing up I was always known because of my family who I love, but I also want to be known for my positive impact on the town. I also look forward to making four beautiful best friends and having four Strawberry sisters the rest of my life.