Growing up: I started twirling baton at a young age. I later did cheer in high school. I had won Teen Miss Lake County in 2021, and my takeaway was realizing how much I loved volunteering and giving back to the community. It’s part of what motivated me to participate in the 2024 Miss Lake County pageant. 

Now that I graduated high school: I am attending the University of Florida to earn my degree in Business Marketing. I was a marketing director for all the clubs on my high school campus. I loved it. I loved posting on social media, creating all the content and taking pictures. 

What I love most about my hometown is: The community, especially going to football games. I went to them when I was younger and I still go now. It just has been so cool to see how everybody has grown and how the community has grown over the years. It’s inspiring. After I explore the world, I do hope to come back and contribute to its continued growth as much as I can. 

My role model is: My mom. She is awesome and does everything with the most grace I’ve ever seen in my life. I wrote my college admission essay about her; she is my biggest supporter. 

My favorite place to eat around town is: The Brick & Barrel in downtown Leesburg. Their chicken tenders are so good. I also love Dip-A-Dee Donuts! 

My favorite TV shows are: Modern Family and Full House.  

The advice I would give to future high school students: Try to take one day at a time and not stress over it. I know that can seem super cliché, but I struggled a lot with my test scores and worrying about getting into college. You just have to take it day by day and it will all work out in the end. 

Photos: Nicole Hamel