Miss Gainesville 2025 & Miss Florida 2025
Paris Richardson
Throughout her undergraduate years, Paris showcased her dedication inside and outside the classroom. Notably, she served as a research assistant for a National Institute of Health (NIH) grant-funded study, exploring the trust and well-being of black women in reproductive care settings, which resulted in publication and presentation at the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions research day.​​​​
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Building on her early research experience, Paris participated in the prestigious Mayo Clinic Clinical Research Internship Study Program (CRISP) in 2024. During the program, she co-led a study analyzing over 2,500 heart and liver transplant patients to evaluate screening tools used in transplant readiness. Paris and her research partner presented their findings at the Society for Transplant Social Workers Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, marking a significant milestone in her journey to improve patient care through data-driven research and health equity.
Paris's accomplishments extend beyond academia. She was selected as one of two students for an internship with UF Health's Office of Development. During her internship, she worked as a healthcare administrative assistant, supporting the Children's Miracle Network and UF's Annual Giving Team. Her responsibilities included aiding corporate partner efforts through campaign material preparation and organizing special events.
​In addition to her commitment to excellence in her studies and professional pursuits, she cheers on the Gator’s football, basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics teams as a University of Florida Cheerleader. Through cheerleading, she gained incredible experiences, such as participating in the Cheerleading Summit and World Championships, modeling for Rebel Athletic, and working as a UCA instructor. These opportunities not only fostered her personal growth but also imparted invaluable life lessons.
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As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Paris finds gratification in being part of an organization whose purpose is to serve all mankind. Being surrounded by like-minded women who are dedicated to uplifting communities and advocating for social change brings her immense joy and fulfillment.
Paris has served as the 2023 Miss University of Florida and 2024 Miss Northeast Florida within the Miss America Organization and has competed for the title of Miss Florida twice earning over $15,000 in scholarship funds. Paris attributes much of her academic success, personal life, and career to the skills learned through competing. The Miss America Opportunity has given her a platform to speak about her organization, Paris’s Pals, and promote health equity for all.
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Miss Ocala 2025
Caroline Schapansky
Caroline Schapansky, Miss Ocala 2025, is a nursing student at the University of Florida with a minor in disabilities in society. She remains actively involved on campus as the College of Nursing’s student senator, a patient care assistant at UF Health Shands Hospital, and a mentor to pre-nursing students. Caroline has spent the last 3 years championing and advocating for individuals with disabilities through her efforts leading professional development workshops for over 7,500 students at the Disability Resource Center, serving as a Young Life Capernaum team leader and social media manager, volunteering alongside Special Olympics, and partnering with various inclusion-driven nonprofits throughout the state of Florida. Her initiative, “Through the Looking Glass” provides individuals with the opportunity to see beyond the surface of those with disabilities and learn how to take meaningful action as a disability advocate. She is deeply committed to leaving a positive, lasting impact during her year as Miss Ocala, and beyond.
Miss Gainesville’s Teen 2025
Ashlee Combee
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Miss Ocala's Teen 2025
Madelyn Covington
Madelyn Covington, Miss Ocala teen 2025, is a junior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where she is an all-A honor roll student. She is a dancer at Scott Jones school of dance where she performs across Florida. She is also a competitive dancer with the Jared Wynn dance collective. Madelyn is excited about the opportunity to continue serving the Florida community in her role as Miss Ocala’s teen.
Madelyn is thankful to be collaborating with Haven retreats; an organization centered around supporting foster and adoptive families such as her own. When her family adopted her brother from Haiti in 2020, she had to learn to adapt to her rapidly changing home life and Haven was there with resources to help. Haven retreats is built to create sustainability in foster care and adoption; believing that by supporting the caregivers, you provide direct sustainability to the children in the home. Haven retreats offers therapeutic retreats and wrap-around care for moms, dads, and biological children of foster and adoptive children. To learn more about Haven retreats visit https://www.havenretreatsinc.org/
Past Titleholders
2024
Miss
Gainesville
Halle Burton
Miss
Gainesville's Teen
Larkin Mainwaring
Miss
Ocala
Tia Unsell
Miss
Ocala's Teen
Noelle Schnacky
2023
Miss
Gainesville
Alexandra de Roos
Miss Florida Gator’s Outstanding Teen
Amelia Grace McDonough
Miss Gainesville’s Outstanding Teen
Anna-Katherine Risalvato
2022
Miss Gainesville
Casana Fink
