Second Runner Up to Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen and Overall Evening Gown winner was just the icing on top of the cake to a wonderful week. The five days spent in Lakeland for the 84th Annual Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant was truly a gift. The week began with an incredible lunch hosted by a Miss Florida sponsor Ann Marie Griffin where all the teen contestants were served Texas Cattle Company. This is where we officially checked in for the state competition. From the lunch we hit the ground running and went straight to rehearsals. It was great to be able to work with such amazing dancers and choreographers at Entertainment Central Productions. They were the magic behind our opening number productions and fitness routines. The night ended with all the Outstanding Teens sitting in the front row of the Youkey Theater at the RP Funding Center to cheer on all the Miss Florida 2019 contestants.
The next day was the start of competition for the teen contestants. My favorite phase of competition is interview. That afternoon not only did I get to interview for the job of Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen, but also meet the incredible panel of judges. I was able to talk all about the great state of Florida, myself, some future goals, and the importance of invisible illness advocacy. I can truly say that was my favorite interview I have ever had! Once again that evening was spent in the Youkey Theater to show the Miss contestants our love and support.
Finally, it was prelim day! Starting with our move into the theater all the way to prelim awards that night, it was a full day of perfection. We were able to put the finishing touches on our opening number and spend time on the stage to prepare for that night. Once the clock hit 6 O'clock all the hard work leading to that point was on display. I truly had the time of my life while performing my talent to Dancing Queen. I fell in love with this song and the fun attitude that it brings over a decade ago, so to be able to bring that to the stage was like no other. If all that was not enough excitement, I had a NO DROP routine! As the show continued, I took the stage for the lifestyle and fitness portion. This is always the most fun aspect of stage competition for me. I love getting to show the hard work I put in to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The last phase of competition was evening gown and onstage question. I was so excited to walk in my dream gown from the one and only Ann Marie's Boutique. Never in my life have I felt more like a princess.
Lastly came finals night. With the conclusion of opening number, the top ten was announced. My heart dropped when I was called for Top 10 and got to perform on that stage again. It was an amazing experience to show the love I have for this organization and the way it has shaped me. I have never felt so at peace with myself and my performances. I knew I have done all I can do, and the rest was up to God's plan. Once the top 10 became the top 5 and I was called in the top 5, I had no other feeling that pure gratitude. I knew all the hard work put in had officially payed off. I was truly honored to be announced as the Evening Gown winner and recipient of a scholarship. At this point the excitement was through the roof, but the blessings did not stop there. I was announced Second Runner Up to Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen! All of this was made possible by the grace of God and I could not have even imagined this on my own. I am so thankful to the opportunities I have been given through this amazing organization and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
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