By Cindy Peterson
Reese Ponds Crowned Miss Leesburg 2024-25
The Miss Leesburg Scholarship Pageant announced Reese Ponds as Miss Leesburg 2024-25. Reese, a 17-year-old senior at First Academy in Leesburg, is no stranger to the pageant stage, having previously held the title of Miss Teen Leesburg. She also received the Teen Volunteer of the Year award for Lake County last year, showcasing her dedication to community service.
“I am so humbled and honored to be your new Miss Leesburg 2024-25,” she says. “I decided to run not for the prestige of the crown and sash but for what the Miss Leesburg Pageants represent by giving back to the community. This program allows for young women to understand the importance and value of giving back to the community that has given so much to them. I am so excited to further my outreach in the community with my sister queens. We have an amazing year ahead of us full of sister bonding, local events, and lots of community service!”
As Miss Leesburg, Reese will be a prominent ambassador for the city, engaging in a variety of local events and spearheading numerous community service projects alongside her fellow titleholders. These include:
The Miss Leesburg Pageant is dedicated to developing young leaders, encouraging civic responsibility, and promoting community involvement. Reese’s leadership and volunteerism are sure to shine as she continues to serve the Leesburg community throughout the upcoming year.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.