2021 Queen’s Farewell

Mckenna Jordan reigned as the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen in 2021.

When you ask our community what their favorite family tradition is, most will respond with, “The Strawberry Festival”. It’s the one time of year that everyone looks forward to. Even in the midst of a trying year, our small-town traditions continued. The Strawberry Festival is such a vital part of our community and the town that we call home. To be given the opportunity to represent and serve this town is an honor and a blessing. To hear my name called as the 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen, was such an unbelievable moment. To this day, I am still in utter and complete shock to be given this opportunity.

My fist thank you goes out to the Plant City Lions Club. The court and I are so grateful for your generous scholarships that will help us to grow in our studies and education. More specifially, I would like to thank Ms. Gail and Mr. George. You two sure do make a fantastic team. You two made this experience so fun and so memorable. We cannot thank the two of you enough.

To the Florida Strawberry Festival President, who claims to also be a Former Queen, Mr. Paul Davis. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us this year. It is so clear what a kind and fun spirit you have in anything you do. Mr. Dub and Mrs. Pec, thank you for so many fun events and for the amazing food you cook. P.S. - we look forward to cooking classes in the future. Uncle Timmy, you have the strongest and kindest heart. Thank you for being the best bodyguard and for always keeping us safe throughout this year.

To the Florida Strawberry Festival directors and their spouses, thank you for your love and support throughout this year. It was amazing getting to know you all. To our Strawberry moms, using the word “amazing” to describe the two of you would be an understatement. Mrs. Lori, you’ve had our backs from day one. You take our side on anything from what clothes we want to wear to making sure we eat because Mrs. Donna tends to starve us. LOL. Your loving spirit makes it so easy to confide in ou. Mrs. Donna, you also have always had our backs and our best interest at heart. You are so understanding and have taught us so many things. Don’t let the bad cop label fool you guys, she is an amazing leader and role model. We are so lucky to be able to call you both our Strawberry moms.

To the four girls who have easily become my best friends, I love you guys with my entire heart. I could not be more grateful to have gone through this journey with you. We became friends so quickly and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. Avery, Kellieanne, Brynne, and Kate, you each offer something to this world that is so unique and special. I know last year’s court mentioned that they ate a lot but this year, our group was known as the “Snackers” because we begged for snacks every 10 minutes.

Ave, you are so strong minded and your ability to speak in front of large crowds is truly admiring. Your outgoing personality makes it so easy to have a conversation with you. It has been so fun to go through this experience together.

Kelbob, you know just how to brighten any room you walk into. You always know how to bring a good time to any event. We were friends prior to Strawberry Queen, and this experience only brought us closer. Thank you for the endless memories.

Brynnie Bean, you’re easily the quickest friend I’ve ever made. You have such a fun spirit. I know that whenever I’m a crying mess, I can turn to you for a listening ear and a Starbucks run, specifially a Trenta Peach Green tea sweetened. You are so fun to be around and it’s always a new adventure with you. You make me laugh harder than anyone I have ever met. Thank you for being the most genuine friend I’ve ever had.

Mama Katherine, you have the kindest heart of anyone I’ve ever met. When you set your mind to something, you don’t stop until you achieve it. Your kind heart shows in everything you do. Thank you for making sure we are always cared for. You are such a loving panda empathetic person. I can’t wait to see where we all end up in 10 years. We will laugh about our crazy memories forever.

Thank you to my family and friends. You guys have supported me since day one and I couldn’t be more t hankful for each of you. A special thanks goes to Chad Chad the Real Rad dad, also known as my dad. You have always pushed me to be the best version of myself. You always give the greatest advice and most of the time I do not want to hear it, but I sure do need to. Thank you to all my parents for making me who I am today. I love you guys the most.

As my reign comes to an end, I can look back with so much happiness on my time as the 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. There is nowhere else in the world I would rather call my hometown. Thank you for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you for letting us serve as a 2021 Strawberry Queen and Court. We will forever cherish this in our hearts.

With all the love in my heart,

Mckenna Jordan