Photo by Monarch Media
Caroline Schapansky, 21, a student at the University of Florida, was crowned Miss Florida Citrus 2026 on Feb. 14. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minor in disabilities in society.
Nine Florida women competed for the title in five phases of competition: private interview, on-stage question, health and fitness, talent and evening gown. Schapansky won the Preliminary Interview Award before being named overall winner. She was awarded $2,000 in scholarships as well as other prizes.
Asia Hodge, an 18-year-old student at the University of South Florida, was first runner-up. Educator Amber Boykin was second runner-up. Both earned scholarship awards.
Photo by Monarch Media
As Miss Florida Citrus, Schapansky will serve as an ambassador for the Florida citrus industry. She will also promote her personal community service initiative, Through the Looking Glass: Encouraging Inclusion Beyond the Surface. The initiative will promote awareness, understanding and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Throughout her year of service, Schapansky will represent the Miss Florida Citrus program at events across Florida and nationwide, including engagements in Texas, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. She will also compete in June at the Miss Florida scholarship competition.
Schapansky plans to pursue a doctor in nursing program to become a family nurse practitioner and provide healthcare to underserved populations.
See the Miss Florida Citrus website for more information on the organization or to book Miss Florida Citrus for an event. Miss Florida Citrus Executive Director Kristi Joyner can be reached via email at mkristijoyner@gmail.com.
The Miss Florida Citrus program and the Florida Citrus Queen program that preceded it have been devoted to promoting the Florida citrus industry for more than a century. The programs’ roots are in advocacy, education and industry representation.
Source: Miss Florida Citrus
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