The Florida Strawberry Festival’s 2016 theme, “Royal Fun for Everyone,” will mean even more to one lucky girl on Saturday, Jan. 23. The annual Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Competition will take place at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center on the festival grounds. 2015 reigning Strawberry Queen Samantha Sun will pass on her crown to one of 23 girls, and four more will be sashed on the court.
Meet the contestants:
Kendra Allen
Senior, Plant City High School
Parents: Wade and Rhonda Allen
Future plans: To attend Florida Gulf Coast University and major in history
Jailine Alvarez
Senior, Durant High School
Parents: Leonel and Patricia Alvarez
Future plans: To attend Florida Polytechnic University and major in mechanical engineering
Alex Aponte
Senior, Newsome High School
Parents: William and Mary Aponte
Future plans: To attend the University of Florida and major in biology to become a cardiothoracic surgeon
Marlee Arn
Junior, Plant City High School
Parents: Edward and Michelle Arn
Future plans: To attend Samford University and major in vocal performance and interior design
Athena Batten
Junior, Durant High School
Parents: Scott and Alison Batten
Future plans: To obtain a degree in forensic science to become a crime scene investigator
Olivia Brosky
Senior, Plant City High School; freshman, Hillsborough Community College
Parents: Lt. Col. and Mrs. Carl Brosky
Future plans: To earn an associate’s degree at Hillsborough Community College and transfer to Florida Southern College to pursue a degree in history and pre-law
Calaydria Trichelle Callins
Senior, Plant City High School
Parents: Pastor Calvin Callins Sr. and Dr. Tandria Callins
Future plans: To attend Florida State University and pursue a degree in sports medicine and physical therapy
Dallas Denise Cline
Freshman, Hillsborough Community College
Parents: James and Sheryl Cline
Future plans: To pursue a doctorate in physical therapy
Madison Dowdy
Senior, Newsome High School; dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
Parents: Barry and Jennifer Dowdy
Future plans: To attend the University of Tampa honors to obtain a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and then attend vet school to become an aquatic veterinarian
Kassandra Figueroa
Student at Hillsborough Community College
Parents: Noelia and Oscar Figueroa
Future plans: To get a degree in elementary education and become a teacher
Morgan Gaudens
Freshman, Hillsborough Community College
Parents: Henry and Melissa Gaudens
Future plans: To attend the University of South Florida and get a degree in business management
Allison Lane
Junior, Plant City High School
Parents: Emmett and Stephenie Lane
Future plans: To graduate from PCHS with a cosmetology license and use it while pursuing a degree in psychology, specializing in counseling
Abigail Miller
Senior, Plant City High School
Parents: Gary and Cherity Miller
Future plans: To attend a university in Florida and double major in public relations and dietary nutrition.
Ariel Navarrete
Junior, Plant City High School
Parents: Juan and Lucy Navarrete
Future plans: To attend Southeastern University and pursue a degree in education and possibly play soccer
Haley Riley
Junior, Durant High School
Parents: William and Heather Riley
Future plans: To attend the University of Florida and obtain a residency in pediatric anesthesiology
Kendale Sellers
Senior, Plant City High School
Parents: Kevin and Ellen Sellers
Future plans: To attend Paul Mitchell The School of Tampa to become a hair stylist and makeup artist
Carley Smith
Senior, Plant City High School
Parent: Windy Faith Hope Ford
Future plans: To attend Florida State University in hopes of becoming a physician’s assistant
Ashtyn Steele
Junior, Plant City High School dual enrolled; at Hillsborough Community College
Parents: Christopher and LaDonna Steele
Future plans: To attend the University of Central Florida and study film
Julia Strickland
Senior, Strawberry Crest High School
Parents: Donnie and Tina Strickland
Future plans: To attend Florida State University and pursue a degree in forensic science
Kayla Troupe
Senior, Strawberry Crest High School’s International Baccalaureate Program
Parents: United States Navy Commander Kary Troupe and Kelli Green Troupe
Future plans: To study neurological psychology
Aalyhia Watson
Senior, Plant City High School; dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
Parent: Stacey Hunter
Future plans: To attend the University of Florida and pursue a degree in marine biology
Arden White
Junior, Plant City High School; dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
Parent: Lisa McGrath
Future plans: To attend the University of Tampa and double major in communication and international business
Ashlyn Yarbrough
Junior, Plant City High School
Parents: Mark and Lori Yarbrough
Future plans: To attend the University of Florida and major in public relations
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Competition
WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23
WHERE: Grimes Family Agricultural Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave.
COST: $15
INFO: FlStrawberryFestival.com