Manatee County pageant winners vying for Miss Florida crowns
Lauren Woodward, recently crowned Miss Manatee County 2025, and Rebekah Bennett, Miss Manatee Fair’s Teen 2025, will compete next week against titleholders from across the state in pursuit of the Miss Florida and Miss Florida Teen titles.
The contestants will compete in interview, talent, on-stage question, fitness, and evening wear events on June 25-28 in Lakeland. The Miss Florida organization has raised more than $45 million for college scholarships since its founding in 1935, including $1.1 million in the past five years.
Both queens have been serving their communities, volunteering at local events, promoting their causes, and preparing for competition through hours of personal development, talent refinement, and public speaking.
Woodward, a law student at Florida A&M University, is an advocate for Stronger Than Stigma, an initiative dedicated to mental health awareness and holistic health. She is also a small business owner, certified wellness coach, and the author of three books. She combines her passion for advocacy and wellness through school outreach, social media and community partnerships.
Bennett, a 2025 graduate of Parrish Community High School, has distinguished herself through academic excellence, community service, and a commitment to “Feeding Little Tummies and Changing Lives” – a partnership with Palmetto-based Feeding Empty Little Tummies (FELT). She received the Marion Scholarship and early admission to Samford University, where she plans to pursue a degree in pediatric nursing.
The winners advance to Miss America 2025 and Miss America’s Teen 2025 starting Dec. 31 in Orlando. For more information, visit missflorida.org, manateecountypageants.com and follow @MissManateeScholarshipOrganization.
Choral Artists of Sarasota awards Stephenson-Moe Scholarship
Grace Grogan, an aspiring soprano who has participated in Choral Artists of Sarasota for the past two seasons, recently received the Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe Scholarship.
The $1,000 award is presented annually to an outstanding young singer in Choral Artists’ educational outreach program. Grogan will attend Stetson University in the fall as a vocal performance major with a pre-med minor.
“Grace approaches music with heart, discipline, and a desire to grow – and that’s exactly what this scholarship celebrates,” said Danielle La Senna, executive director of Choral Artists. “We’re thrilled to support her as she takes the next step in her musical and academic journey.”
The scholarship, established in 2022, honors Stephenson-Moe for her contributions to Choral Artists and her mentorship of young singers at Church of the Redeemer and Temple Beth Israel.
“I’m honored to receive the Ann Stephenson-Moe Scholarship and so grateful for this support,” Grogan said. “Music has always been my anchor, and singing with Choral Artists was an unforgettable experience.”
Up to eight young singers, ages 16 to 22, are invited each year to rehearse and perform with Choral Artists’ professional vocalists and one is selected to receive the Stephenson-Moe Scholarship. For more information about Choral Artists, visit choralartistssarasota.org.
Sarasota homeless day center names new executive director
Resurrection House, a day center for the homeless in downtown Sarasota, recently named Joe Reuth as new executive director. He takes over from Mason Ayres, who served as interim executive director for the past two years.
Reuth offers more than a decade of nonprofit work with Christian organizations, including Church of the Redeemer, one of Resurrection House’s founding churches. He has served as mission leader for the church’s Dominican Republic missions since 2018.
“The ministry that Resurrection House provides is extremely important for making Sarasota County a better place to live, especially for those living on the streets who need a hand up,” Reuth said.
Around and about
· The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is co-sponsoring a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mount Raymond Baptist Church, 2410 Fourth Ave. E., Palmetto. The event includes a food drive/giveaway and free cookout. Donations can be dropped off 10 a.m.-noon. Info: Scott Biehler at 941-350-6075; scott@mayorsfeedthehungry.org.
· The Asolo Repertory Theatre (5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota) will hold a special “Pay What You Will” matinee performance of “Jesus Christ Superstar” on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. with 100% of proceeds benefiting All Faiths Food Bank. For tickets, visit the Asolo Rep’s box office or call 941-551-8000 (no online sales for this special performance).
· HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital in Port Charlotte will host a free online health event for men on June 25 from 9-10 a.m. featuring experts in urology, cardiology and neurosurgery. Registration/info: tinyurl.com/5ath6pzh; 941-624-4441; HCAFloridaHealthcare.com (classes & events page).
· Town Square University Parkway will host an art exhibit, “Together We Blossom: Birds, Butterflies & Botanicals,” showcasing the creative spirit of older adults on June 26 from 4:30-8 p.m. (8450 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota). Auction, refreshments, live music. Event benefits All 4 the Members, Suncoast Aging Network, and Meals on Wheels Sarasota. RSVP: tinyurl.com/47xnfz3a.
· The Stars Academy Scholarship Fund of Charlotte County is seeking community members to join a planning committee for Art Under the Stars, a new fundraising event. Art Under the Stars will feature a live art auction, interactive exhibits, and storytelling in support of accessible, high-quality early childhood education. Contact Kelly Hunter, director of marketing, at kelly.hunter@gulfcoastpartnership.org or 941-626-0220 (ext. 4).
Submissions by Samantha Solie, Su Byron, Kendra Gemma, Scott Biehler, Sharon Kunkel, Alexandria Benjamin, Skyler Betts, Kelly Hunter, and staff report.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Manatee County pageant winners competing for Miss Florida crowns in Lakeland
Reporting by Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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