Addison Raburn

2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Court Member

Tell our readers a little about yourself: My friends call me Addi and I was born and raised right here in Plant City. I am 18 years old and a senior at Strawberry Crest High School. I am very involved in my school. I am the President of my National Honor Society chapter, Vice President of Beta Club, and a member of Future Farmers of America, Crest Buddies, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Government Association, LEO Jr Lions Club and the Principals Leadership Team. I am the daughter of Ed and Christie Raburn, and I have a 20-yearold brother, Brady, who is a college student. My dad is the College and Young Professionals pastor at our church, First Baptist Church of Plant City and my mom is my high school principal. My family is very active in the Plant City community and both of my parents graduated from Plant City High School. I am also very active in my church and on the First Student Ministry Leadership Team. In my free time I like to go shopping, watch Netflix, travel with my family, and go tubing on Crooked Lake. I love having the opportunity to fellowship with friends and make connections that will last forever. Growing up in Plant City, the Strawberry Queen Pageant has always been a big part of our lives, and I have always dreamed of being on the court. I also have an aunt who was on the court so I am so excited to be following in her footsteps, and I can’t wait for this year.

Do you have prior pageant experience? How did those experiences compare to Strawberry Queen?

My prior pageant experience includes the Calendar Girl pageant at my high school. Although this was a fun and exciting experience that gave me confidence, after having the opportunity to compete in the Strawberry Queen pageant twice, I can confidently say that nothing compares to Strawberry Queen. I had the best time getting to know all the girls and making friendships that will last a lifetime. The rehearsals were my favorite part because I am in no way a dancer, so although learning some of the steps was a challenge, I had a great time learning with all the girls and getting the opportunity to have fun.

To what or whom do you attribute your success? There are a few people who I attribute my success to but the first and most important would have to be Jesus. Throughout the entire pageant process, I was praying for His will to be done and I can confidently say that it was. Just knowing that I am made in His image gave me all the confidence that I needed, and I had peace in knowing that I put forth my best effort and that no matter what happened, I am still a child of the King. I am also very thankful to have my parents and family who supported me throughout this whole process. Growing up, both of my parents were athletes so Strawberry Queen was very new to them, but they gave it their best and no less. I am so thankful for my parents’ continual love and support, and I can’t express how much they mean to me. I competed in Strawberry Queen twice, and Mrs. Carolyn Peace and Ms. Jodie Peace gave me my foundation. They encouraged me and helped me prepare from the beginning. And last but certainly not least, I would not be where I am today without my coach, Katie Butson. Mrs. Katie didn’t just prepare me for Strawberry Queen, she prepared me for life. I am so grateful for all the time, effort, and dedication Mrs. Katie put in for me. She is amazing and I will use the skills I learned from her for many years to come.

Other than attending the 11-day Festival, what other event are you most looking forward to in your role on the court?

One event, besides the Strawberry Festival of course, that I am most looking forward to is Night to Shine. This is a prom event created by Tim Tebow that is hosted at my church, First Baptist Church of Plant City, and at other churches all across the nation for students with special needs. After being involved in Crest Buddies at my school, I really gained a new perspective on things that one might take for granted. Building relationships in Crest Buddies has changed me more than I can express in words, and I cannot wait to see my friends beam with joy as they are crowned kings and queens at Night to Shine.