Contestant crowned as Miss Florida for the second time prepares for Miss America competition
Paris Richardson, a resident of Gainesville, has made history by becoming the first Miss Gainesville to win the Miss Florida title since Marcia Crane won in 1952. Richardson's victory came at the Miss Florida 2025 competition, which took place among dozens of contestants.
Richardson's journey to the title was not an easy one. The competition had two remaining participants: Richardson and Miss Jacksonville Anjelica Jones. In the end, Richardson's dedication and hard work paid off, earning her the coveted title.
Richardson's win comes with a $20,000 scholarship. She plans to use this opportunity to further her education and continue her work in promoting health equity among youth groups throughout Jacksonville.
The Miss Florida 2025 victory also secures Richardson a spot in the Miss America 2026 competition, which begins on Sept. 3. The competition will span four days and showcase 51 contestants in five segments, including performances in private interviews, health and fitness, on-stage questions, talent, and evening gown.
Richardson is no stranger to hard work and dedication. She started the Ribault Get RAW program in high school to promote her school's health center for students with inadequate healthcare access. This initiative later expanded into a statewide initiative with CROWN of Health.
Richardson's mother, Rachelle Miller, is proud of the work Richardson has put in over the last four years. Miller shared, "Paris has always been a diligent and passionate individual. Seeing her dedication pay off in such a significant way is truly heartwarming."
In preparation for the Miss America 2026 competition, Richardson is working with sponsors, sharpening her dance skills, and speaking to as many interviewers as possible. She also keeps up with the news to form her own opinions on relevant topics for the competition's onstage and private interview sections.
Richardson attends classes at Radar Dance Complex in Ocala for competition practice. She also recently released a children's book, "The Not-So-Perfect Garden Project," in April to discuss themes of food insecurity.
In addition to her pageant success, Richardson traveled with the Florida Gators basketball team for a month during their national championship run in the spring. This experience has no doubt helped her develop resilience and determination, traits that will undoubtedly serve her well in the Miss America 2026 competition.
As Richardson prepares for the Miss America 2026 competition, she is the second Black woman to win Miss Florida. Richardson's victory is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the progress being made in promoting diversity and inclusion within the pageant industry. We wish her the best of luck in the upcoming competition.
Read also:
- Late-night host Lawrence O'Donnell responds to Jimmy Kimmel's departure with a discussion on a subject "Donald Trump doesn't wish us to examine"
- EU Member States cast their decisions
- Eighteen-Year-Old Speaks Out Against Lowering Voting Age to Sixteen
- King Charles's body language analyst dissects signs of apparent 'impatience' exhibited by Charles towards Trump
