Count down to the Hernando de Soto Heritage Festival and events!
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Madyson is the 20-year-old daughter of Douglas and Rita Greeman. She is a 2024 graduate of Parrish Community High School. Madyson was the senior class president, a member of the varsity cheer team, track and field team, National Honor Society, Junior Advisory Board, and served as the school newspaper Editor. She was nominated for a Golden Herald Award in Journalism where she received runner up. She attends the University of Central Florida where she is majoring in broadcast Journalism with a minor in political science. She is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority where she’s served on Program Council and the Judicial board. She is currently on the executive board as Vice President of Learning and Development.
Sponsored by Coastline Kitchen & Bath and Manatee Learning Academy
Jordan is the 20-year-old daughter of Steve and Robin Rowland. She is a 2024 graduate of Bradenton Christian School where she was active in National Honor Society, Key Club, Beta Club, and served as class President. She is currently enrolled at the University of Florida where she is pursuing her undergraduate degree in History and Political Science with a concentration in Law. She is actively serving her community through her church ministry groups. Jordan’s hobbies include reading, going to the gym, and going to the beach.
Sponsored by Superior Rescreening and Royce Repairs
Darcey is the 18-year-old daughter of Kesney and Marthe Ductan and a student at Bayshore High School, where she is actively involved in the Honeybears Dance Team, Student Government Association, and AVID program, developing leadership, teamwork, and academic skills. She also trains with Vita Dance Academy, continuing her passion for dance and performance. She is deeply involved in her church, serving in Worship, Tech, Children’s, and Usher Ministries, and participates in the North River Youth Coalition Program and Avenue 941 Tutoring Program, where she enjoys helping others. In her free time, she loves baking, singing, and dancing, and plans to attend college to study dance and biology with the goal of becoming a Physician Assistant while continuing to pursue the arts.
Sponsored by: MCR Health and South Florida Injury and Convenient Care
Faith is the 18-year-old daughter of Gary Geluso and Ashley Kreamer and a 2025 graduate of Braden River High School, where she was actively involved in leadership, academics, and athletics. She served as a Student Government member and Co-Chair, competed as a four-year varsity soccer player and two-time district champion, and played two years of varsity flag football, helping lead her team to the state Final Four. Academically, she earned certifications in Marketing and Accounting while maintaining Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognition. She is a member of Woodland Community Church, where she serves as a camp leader for middle school ministry camps and leads a small group. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, studying the Bible with friends, and staying active at the gym, and hopes to pursue a career in Radiology or Elementary Education to positively impact others.
Sponsored by: G&S Pool Supply and Sterling Built Pools INC
Callaway is the 19-year-old daughter of Alan and Holly Johnson and a graduate of Manatee High School, where she ranked in the top 3% of her class and earned the AP Capstone Diploma. A dedicated leader and scholar, she was recognized as an AP Scholar, Girls State Congressional Delegate, and President of both Mam’Selles Service Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She now attends the University of South Florida, where she is active in the Bulls Business Community, interns with the USF Athletic Department, and serves as an Orientation Leader. She plans to earn her master’s degree in accountancy and analytics and pursue a career in corporate accounting. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, going to the beach, all things Disney, shopping, growing in her faith, and is involved with My Breast Friends 941 and has interned for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Sponsored by: Bonefish Grill and Carl Reynolds Law
Kayla is the 19-year-old daughter of Adam and Katie Kirksey and a 2025 graduate of Palmetto High School, where she was actively involved in the AICE Program, AVID Club, FBLA, S.A.V.E., and the Girls Weightlifting Team, developing strong leadership, teamwork, and academic skills. She previously participated in the Hernando DeSoto Society as a Conquistadorable and follows the Christian faith, valuing faith, family, and community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, candle making, embroidering, and discovering new hobbies. She is currently attending Hillsborough Community College, pursuing a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with plans to specialize in obstetrics and gynecologic sonography and continue her studies in women’s health.
Sponsored by: Pristine Marine and Spartan Air Solutions
Hailey is the 19-year-old daughter of Thomas Rizza Sr. and Kyle and Tabetha Graham and a 2024 graduate of Manatee High School, where she was an active member of the cheer team and consistently earned Honor Roll recognition. She has continued building valuable life and safety skills, earning certifications in SafeServe, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Red Cross Babysitting. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, nature walks, renovating her home, and restoring thrifted furniture, and is proud to have become a homeowner at 18. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a career in law enforcement or project management, using her leadership, determination, and passion for improvement to make a positive impact.
Sponsored by: Allen Rosser Tile, Danny’s Pizzeria and Grimes Galvano, P.L.
Olivia is the 18-year-old daughter of Craig and Kristen Terrell and a 2024 graduate of Braden River High School, where she served as an FFA officer, developing leadership skills and a passion for working with others. She has continued her education through Walgreens University and holds both Florida and National Pharmacy Technician licenses, along with an immunization certification. She works as a licensed pharmacy technician, where she enjoys helping others and making a difference in her community while continuing to grow professionally. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, reading, and baking, and plans to pursue her cosmetology license while traveling and exploring new opportunities.
Sponsored by: DiTommaso Flooring INC. and The Fish Guy
Grace is the 20-year-old daughter of Colin and Rebecca Tripp. A 2024 graduate of Palmetto High School, she took part in the AICE Program, kept Honor Roll status, competed on the Women’s Weightlifting Team, and served as Head Athletic Student Trainer. She is currently attending the State College of Florida, where she has earned Dean’s List honors and will graduate with her Associate of Arts degree before transferring to the University of South Florida to pursue a doctorate in Forensic Psychology. She attends First Baptist Church of Palmetto and is passionate about serving others, completing more than 1,000 hours of community service, and taking part in mission trips to Brazil and Rwanda. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, traveling, working with children, staying active through fitness and weightlifting, and spending time with friends and family. She is launching a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving and supporting her community.
Sponsored by: Little Sparrows Pediatric Therapy and The Ricciardo Family
For over 75 years, the De Soto Heritage Festival has celebrated the intellect and talent of a select group of special young women from the community by electing them to the De Soto Queen’s Court. Each member of the court serves as goodwill ambassadors for the Hernando de Soto Historical Society and Manatee County through the following spring. A $750.00 scholarship is presented to court members who satisfactorily complete their time on the court. The Queen and Princess receive additional scholarships at the completion of their reign.
Candidates are recommended by the community and then the Hernando de Soto Historical Society makes its choices on the basis of character, scholastic ability, high morals, and personality.