By Sara A. Mayo
Paris Richardson (’25) recently graduated with her Master of Health Administration degree from the University of Florida, an admirable milestone for many of our graduates.
However, on June 28, Richardson was awarded with a unique honor — she was crowned Miss Florida 2025.
Richardson, who faced 37 other hopefuls at the competition in Lakeland, is the first Miss Florida representative from Gainesville since 1952.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to be the next Miss Florida, and I am so thankful for the Miss Gainesville and Miss Ocala organization for giving me the tools and preparation that I needed to walk confidently across the stage,” Richardson said in a press release in the Alachua Chronicle.
Richardson impressed judges with her acrobatic dance talent and her passion for advancing health equity through her community service initiative, C.R.O.W.N. of Health, a resource to empower communities interested in wellness, advocacy and leadership opportunities. Richardson founded COH in high school.
In addition to her title, Richardson brought home $24,000 in scholarship winnings, which will support her future educational goals.
While Richardson takes the helm of Miss Florida for the coming year, she will continue to promote health equity, serve as an ambassador for the Miss America program and prepare for the Miss America competition slated for September in Orlando.
The Miss America Opportunity, founded in 1921, advocates for women’s empowerment and community impact, as well as supporting women’s education by awarding millions of dollars through scholarship competitions.