What made you want to go out for the pageant?
B- When I first moved here, I started going to the festival when I was really little and always saw the Queen and Court. They were always so kind and seemed to have so much fun. Then, once I got older, I realized how much experience they were able to gain through this role. I really wanted to be a part of that.
What was your family’s reaction when your name was called?
B- My sister actually had to watch the pageant online and she videoed her reaction as well as her whole soccer team, who watched it with her. A few of them had never seen a pageant before, and so when I was called they were all screaming at the TV like they were cheering on a soccer game. It was amazing.
If you could pick one word to sum up your personality, what would it be?
B- I think my word would be “optimistic.” I feel like I’ve had to face a lot of adversity in my life and I’ve learned to help me keep going, I have to always look forward to something. I am notorious for saying, “Who’s excited?” or “What are you most excited for?” whenever I’m with people doing something. I think it’s fun to be excited about things and I love that one person can kind of help cheer up an entire group.
What are you most excited for at the festival?
B-I’m really excited about seeing the Milton E. Hull Building. I’ve done the photography contest in the past and I love going back every year. I think it’s incredible how they take the theme each year and turn it into wonderful pieces of art. Especially the children’s category. Those are always my favorite.
We’ve been locked up for a year. What shows/movies/books/video games did you binge to get through it?
B-I think i finished “Outer Banks” in, like, three days. Oh, and I’ve rewatched “Gossip Girl.”
Do all of you use TikTok? If so what niche side are you on? BookTok? FoodieTok? AltTok/EliteTok? ArtTok?
B-Random TikTok. My feed is full of the most random videos ever.
What’s next for you?
B- I want to become an orthodontist. I really like how my dentist and orthodontist interacted with me. A lot of kids get really scared when they go and if their orthodontist is caring and makes an effort for them to feel safe it can really change their entire experience. I want to be that person for other kids.
Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with?
B- I’m debating between two. Princess Diana, I think her sense of style is so amazing and she seems like she would have been an incredible woman to talk to. But also Charlotte Rosenberg, the first Strawberry Festival Queen. I would love to talk about how different it was back then compared to now and just talk about what Plant City was like then. I think it would be fascinating.
What fictional character do you most relate to?
B- Alexis from “Schitt’s Creek.” I can be very oblivious at times. I was born with blonde hair and although I don’t have it now, I feel like I still do.