Durant senior Gabriela Norah Hagman was crowned the 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen.
Photo courtesy Jose Lozoya
Ready to meet the 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and court?
Five young ladies were crowned Jan. 18 at the 90th annual Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant, presented by Plant City Lions Club, at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center.
Twenty-six contestants displayed poise, grace and confidence as they sought the opportunity to represent the Florida Strawberry Festival and Plant City community at more than 80 guest appearances throughout the coming year.
After the hours-long, multi-event competition, Gabriela Norah Hagman, a senior at Durant High School, was crowned the 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. She is joined by First Maid Macey Faith Riley and court members Makinley Jensen, Olivia Pagie Lawton and Abigail Lee Mullis. Mullis was also named Miss Congeniality.
Hagman will receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Plant City Lions Club and a $1,400 scholarship from the Florida Strawberry Festival. Riley will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Plant City Lions Club and a $1,200 from the Florida Strawberry Festival. Each court member will receive an $1,000 scholarship from the Plant City Lions Club and a $1,000 scholarship from the festival. Mullis was named Miss Congeniality and will receive a $400 scholarship by the Plant City Lions Club.
Throughout the pageant, emceed by 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Ally Burt Llewellyn and David Lang, contestants participated in a personal interview (conducted earlier in the day, worth 25% of their total score), casual wear (worth 30% of their total score), public speaking (worth 15% of their total score) and an evening gown competition (worth 30% of their total score). After the judges’ scores were tabulated by an independent auditor, the 26 contestants were whittled down to 10 semi-finalists, which included: Makinley Jensen, Abigail Lee Mullis, Marley Grayce Mueller, Layla Ann Rothman, Gabriela Norah Hagman, Olivia Paige Lawton, Macey Faith Riley, Lauren Michelle Abbey, Chesney Charlotte Stackhouse and Kyleigh Madison Meiers.
After the top ten finalists were announced, those contestants were sent to a sound-proof room where they awaited their turn on stage to answer an impromptu question: “We live in a world influenced by social media. If you were designing a social media post to encourage people to visit the strawberry festival, what would that post include?”
The finalists spoke of their love for Plant City and its rich history, excitement about the new soundstage and feature performers, former queens and courts who’ve left an impact, tasty fair food and more.
With their previous scores erased, the panel of independent, Miss America-certified judges scored each contestant based on how effectively they answered the question (25%), overall look (40%) and stage presence (35%).
Following the impromptu question, 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Annistyn Griffin and her court shared an emotional farewell message with the audience. “This has been my greatest honor and I will remember it forever, God blessed me with the best strawberry sisters I could have asked for,” she said. “Plant City, you have left your mark on me.”
Twenty-four former queens took the stage to be recognized for their past service, the earliest being 1956 Queen Virginia Young Berry. During his opening remarks, Florida Strawberry Festival Chairman Danny Coton recognized 1993 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Ashley Moody, who was recently appointed to take Marco Rubio’s seat in the U.S. Senate.
Before the court was announced, Plant City Lions Club Pageant Committee Chairman Gail Domedion shared that every contestant will return home polished and ready to take on the world with confidence and strength. “This pageant is about empowerment, teamwork and love,” she said. “I hope each girl takes something with them tonight to find their own path and achieve their own dreams.”
Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson surprised the crowd when he announced that the scholarships offered by the festival will be renewable for four years to help give them a jumpstart on the next chapter of their lives. “These ladies have done a fantastic job and God has blessed the Florida Strawberry Festival,” he remarked. “We’re always looking for additional ways to give back. Historically, the festival has given out one year scholarships but now the Queen and her court will receive a four-year scholarship.”
Robinson also announced several festival improvements, including the new soundstage will accommodate larger shows, a brand new midway with thrilling rides and automated ticketing kiosks. “We want to continue to move into the future,” he said. “Our goal every year is to provide something new and entertaining while still maintaining the charm and down-home feel the festival is known for.”
In addition to making an appearance at an upcoming city commission meeting, the Queen and her court can be seen throughout the 11-day festival and at various community events throughout the year.
The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival begins Thur., Feb. 27 and runs through Sun., Mar. 9. For more information about the Florida Strawberry Festival visit floridastrawberryfestival.com. For more information about the Plant City Lions Club visit plantcitylions.org.
