2024 QUEEN'S COURT

Queen Alexandria Melissa Cruz

Alexandria is the 19 year old daughter of Melissa and Jose Cruz. She is a 2021 graduate of Manatee High School and enjoys cheerleading and coaching. She attends the State College of Florida and is earning her Associate in Arts Degree. Her future plan is to transfer to a university and pursue a career as an Anesthesiologist.

When asked what her most memorable time as Queen was, she shared, “my favorite memory from this year has visiting our sister city, Barcarrota, Spain. Meeting the wonderful people of Barcarrota and indulging in their culture was life changing.”

Princess Kaylah Lynn Gunst

Kaylah is the 19 year old daughter of Andrea Gunst. She is a 2021 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School. Her hobbies include horseback riding, ATV riding, boating, river rafting, and advocating for type 1 diabetes. Kaylah currently attends the State College of Florida and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In the future, she plans to become a Travel Nurse.

Sponsored by Delta Southern Construction

Briana Makenzie Bird

Briana is the 20-year-old daughter of Dennis and Alison Simmons. She is a 2021 graduate of Palmetto High School, and enjoys twirling, attending church, and going to the beach. She is currently attending Manatee Technical College where she is earning a degree in Pediatric Nursing.

Sponsored by USA Fence & Richards Plumbing & Electric

Kinsey Rian Bunce

Kinsey is the 19-year-old daughter of Stephen and Toni Bunce. She graduated from Palmetto High school in 2023 and is currently enrolled at Hillsborough Community College pursuing her degree in Nursing. She is pursuing a career as a Nurse Anesthetist for the Veterans Health Administration. During her free time Kinsey enjoys traveling, thrifting, and spending time with family and friends.

Sponsored by Hascall-Denke and Clearview Windows & Wood, Inc.

Taylor Ann Clarkson

Taylor is the 19-year-old daughter of Tracy Clarkson. She is a 2022 graduate of Khan academy. Her hobbies include reading, building Legos and playing video games. Taylor also loves to travel. She plans to attend USF college for Nursing to pursue her nursing degree. In the future Taylor plans to become a travel nurse.

Sponsored by Mattresses & More & James & Ashley Purmort

Morgan Lee Johnson

Morgan is the 20-year-old daughter of Matthew and Rebekkah Johnson. She is a 2022 graduate of Sarasota High School, and she enjoys weightlifting, art, and beef cattle production. Morgan’s future plans include increasing more Brahma cattle in Manatee and Sarasota shows and production.

Sponsored by Suncoast Chevrolet Buick GMC, Marine Surplus & Dakin Images

Taryn Elizabeth Shawley

Taryn is the 20-year-old daughter of Brent and Andrea Shawley. Taryn is a 2023 graduate of Inspiration Academy. Her hobbies include cooking, weightlifting, gymnastics, and journaling. She plans to attend the State College of Florida where she will pursue a degree in psychology. She desires to become a couples and family therapist.

Sponsored by Leticia Ownbey & Andre Padilla & James & Suncoast Cooperative

Alexis Isabella Williams

Alexis is the 20-year-old daughter of Maria Nicolini and Christopher Williams. She is a 2023 graduate of Palmetto High School and is currently attending the State College of Florida where she is majoring in computer science. She plans to focus her career on cybersecurity. She currently works as a teacher’s aide at Virgil Mills Elementary School. During her free time, Alexis enjoys traveling, teaching baton, painting and soaking up the Florida sunshine.

Sponsored by James & Ashley Purmort and Superior Rescreening