Countdown to the start of the DeSoto Heritage Festival with the Children's Parade!

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2022 QUEEN'S COURT

HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Queen Denver Sydney Romano

Queen Denver Sydney Romano

Denver is the 18 year old daughter of Stacey and Dennis Romano of Lakewood Ranch.  She is 5’7” with blonde hair and blue eyes. Her hobbies include working out, crafting, playing with her dog, boating, going to Disney World, and spending time with her family. While at Lakewood Ranch High School, Denver graduated in the top 15% of her class, was the National Honor Society Historian, Vice President of Quill and Scroll, and a varsity cheerleader.  She attends Faith Lutheran Church and was chosen by their board of directors to serve as a youth representative liaison, and actively served her community as a volunteer on mission trips to Michigan and Texas.  Denver is currently attending the University of Central Florida double majoring in Event Management and Hospitality.  She plans to pursue her dream of working for the Walt Disney Company.

Sponsored by RJM Construction

HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Princess Megan Avery Mitchell

Princess Megan Avery Mitchell

Megan is 20 years old and the daughter of Shea and Justin Carpenter of Parrish. She is 5’3” with blonde hair and blue eyes and enjoys makeup, dancing, and spending time with friends and family. Megan graduated Palmetto High School with a 4.0 GPA. She was the captain of the varsity dance team and a four year letterman. She currently attends Bayside Community Church and is very active in several group activities. Additionally, she was named most photogenic with the Drum Majorettes of America. Megan completed her Associate of Arts degree at the State College of Florida and is now attending the University of South Florida where she is pursuing a degree in Professional and Technical Communications with hopes of becoming a flight attendant and traveling the world.

Sponsored by Popi’s Place

Presley Daniale Blunkall

Presley is from Nashville, Tennessee, graduated from Wilson Central High School. She now attends State College of Florida, transferring to University of South Florida majoring in Forensic Science, 18 year old Presley one day plans to work for the FBI.

Alexandria Melissa Cruz

Alexandria was an honor roll student, graduating from Manatee High School in 2021. She is 18 years old, competitive cheerleader as well as a junior cheer coach herself for EVO Training Center. Alexandria plans to work in the field of anesthesiology.

Cecilia Rose Johnson

She was an officer in JROTC from Bayshore High School, class of 2021. She graduated with honors. Her future plans after completing State College of Florida, is to have a lifelong career in the United States Air Force. Cecilia is 18 years old.

Billie Michelle Mason

Billie is pursuing her degree in Business and Management from Hillsborough Community College, transferring to the University of Florida majoring in Agribusiness with a minor in interior design. She is 18 years old, graduated in the top 15% of her class from Palmetto High School in 2021,while dual-enrolled at the State College of Florida.

Alyssa Jane Pritchett

A Palmetto High School graduate in 2021, she also earned her AICE diploma with both merit and scholar designation. She attends the State College of Florida, while still being active in Student Government. Alyssa will be pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences, as well as her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida.

Victoria Chantel Terrell

Victoria is 21 years old, she graduated from Braden River High School in 2019. She is currently on the Dean’s list at the State College of Florida. Victoria is obtaining a degree in Business Management. This will allow her to continue her pursuit of a promising career at American Woodmark.

Jalyn Elaine Thompson

Jalyn will be graduating from the University of Florida this spring with her bachelor’s in Animal Sciences, food animal specialization and will continue working towards her master’s degree. Jalyn at 17, graduated from Riverview High School and State College of Florida both in 2019 with her Associates of Arts degree.

Samantha Marie Thurman

Samantha graduated in 2019 from Palmetto High School. She was on the dance team for 3 years and now is on the coaching staff for the Palmetto Dazzlers dance team. Samantha is 21 years old working towards her associates degree, furthering her education with a bachelor’s in history and master’s in education.

HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Alexandra Gabrielle Mercer

Alexandra Gabrielle Mercer

Alexandra is 20 years old, graduated in the class of 2018 from Palmetto High School. She is currently attending the State College of Florida on the President’s list. Alexandra plans on furthering her education at the University of South Florida to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Leah Ashlynn Andrews

Leah Ashlynn Andrews

Leah is 18 years old, National Honors Society member, graduated from Palmetto High School, class of 2021. She also earned her AICE diploma with over a 4.0 GPA. She currently attends Santa Fe College in Gainesville, and plans to obtain her doctorate in Veterinary Science, specializing in livestock and small animals from the University of Florida.