Linda Watts

For nearly four decades, Linda Watts has been shaping young lives in Lake County through the Miss Leesburg Scholarship Program and Florida’s Hometown USA.

Linda was born in Umatilla, moved to Leesburg and has lived in Lake County her entire life. She worked as a kindergarten and preschool teacher for 20 years before retiring. But her passion for mentoring youth wasn’t over. In 1986, she noticed that Leesburg didn’t have a pageant of its own.

“Why don’t we have a Miss Leesburg?” Linda says she asked herself. “And as always, if you want something done, you do it yourself. So, I approached the city commission, and they were fully supportive of me starting the program.” 

Linda launched the Miss Leesburg Scholarship Program 39 years ago and has been a pivotal part of it ever since. 

Linda emphasizes that she doesn’t even like to call it a pageant, because it’s so much more than just a beauty contest. 

“The whole goal is to teach them to help others and learn to give back,” Linda says. “These girls start young and their entire life changes because they focus on serving others.” 

Her vision expanded statewide with the creation of Florida’s Hometown USA, which selects five young women each year from across the state to serve their communities through volunteer projects. From food drives to nursing home visits, participants learn the importance of service and leadership.

Over the years, the programs have awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships, including $15,000 this year alone. She credits the generosity of local businesses and community supporters.

Although she never competed in a pageant, Linda has utilized the industry to mentor young women into becoming compassionate leaders. 

“They’re learning to open their hearts, to give back and to be role models for others,” she says. “That’s why I do what I do.”  

www.missleesburg.com