Mrs Florida America, Jamie Estrada & Mrs. Florida US, Kelly Pickens

Ms Collier County Women, Ann Bechtol

Ann Bechtol
Ms. Collier County Woman
Ann is the proud mother of 2 children, Tiffani age 12 and Codi age 8. They are truly the inspiration that keeps her going.
For the past 5 years Ann has been an inspiration to many women by bringing awareness of domestic violence to the community. As stated in a recent newspaper article "No One Wants to Admit There Husband is Abusive." Domestic violence does not have any demographics and affects 1 out of 4 relationships. No one should have to suffer this alone. There are several out reach programs available.
As Ms. Collier County Woman, Ann will use her title to continue to bring awareness to the community and if winning the title of Ms. Florida Woman will bring awareness throughout the state.
Ann has also recently gotten involved with the J. Timothy Hogan Foundation. This foundation raises funds to treat childrens mental illness. In March of 2006 the foundation was recognized and awarded outstanding honors by Gov. Bush for the "Addressing Treatments Needs award". In February of 2007 the foundation raised over $50,000 to go toward the medical expenses for teens to receive the help they need. If you would like to learn more about this foundation you can see there website at www.jthogan.com
Ann also enjoys several activities including Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Golf, Boating, Traveling, and exercising.

Ms Florida Women, Nancy Pruitt

Nancy is the mother of 4. Her 2 sons are Tod and Greg, and 2 daughters are Diane and Julianne. She is also the grandmother of 6, 2 girls and 4 boys. She resides in Clermont where she graduated from Clermont High School in 1969.
Nancy is teaching kindergarten at Minneola Elementary School in Lake County, currently in her 26th year. She has an extensive background teaching everything from Pre-Kindergarten through middle school English and the social sciences. She earned her BA in Elementary Education in 1979 and her Master of Education in Educational Leadership in 2004.
Nancy's youngest daughter, Julianne, was graduating in 2003 and the question from friends was; What are you going to do when she is off at school? This question, with some horror stories, prompted Nancy to wonder if the "empty nest" syndrome would be an issue with her. She then decided to return to college and earn her master's degree. It has been Nancy's experience that many parents are "lost" once the children leave home for school, careers, and/or marriage. Retirement looms for many adults with similar "lost" feelings. She would like to help all adults by encouraging them to begin to find new hobbies, interests, or other outlets to prevent the 'lost' feelings. It is her wish to assist adults who are facing these issues find alternatives that will ease life's transitions.

Ms Florida Contestant, Jacquelyn Bick

Ms Palm Beach County, Lauren Wanger

Lauren is passionate about her work as an educator. Currently a seventh grade government and economics teacher, Lauren’s platform, which was inspired by her students, coordinates with her teaching.
As Ms. Palm Beach County, Lauren has chosen to promote community service and activism among youth. Just this holiday season, Lauren and her students donated hundreds of wrapped toys to children all over Palm Beach County. The positive feedback from both the organizations and students inspired Lauren to take part in more community service projects with her students. She feels giving back to the community is a responsibility of all American citizens. It also makes people feel good about the world we live in.
Lauren also promotes activism in her classroom, conducting mock elections, trials, and writing letters to Congress. So far, Lauren and her students have received a great response from Florida’s Senators, Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez, on issues such as Darfur and global warming. In addition, many of Lauren’s students have “gone green” making the switch to energy efficient light bulbs. As Ms. Palm Beach County, Lauren has begun to expand her platform beyond her classroom and hopes to spread her message statewide.
Lauren graduated from Rutgers University with Highest Honors and went on to receive a Masters Degree in both social studies and special education from Long Island University in New York. Her hobbies include scrap booking and songwriting. She has won awards for her songwriting, and this year one of her songs was featured in a motion picture soundtrack. She also had her first book, “How to Stay Fit on the College Meal Plan and Avoid the Freshman Fifteen”, accepted for publication in 2004. Her book is available worldwide!
In the future, Lauren plans to continue her education obtaining her certificate in educational leadership to move into administration, and further her impact. She strives to improve Florida’s educational system and make a positive difference in the lives of others by being a positive role-model and leading by example.

Ms. Miami, Justine Llanes

Justine Llanes is a 20 year old student at Florida International University and a native Floridian! She attends the university on a scholarship that was awarded to her based on a 4.2 GPA and her community service.
Justine has been a mentor and a motivational speaker since the age of 15. She is a long time active member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Miami organization and a volunteer mentor. Volunteering and giving back to her community has been a part of her life for many years. Having grown up in an area where high school drop out rates were high, Justine decided early on to pass along her passion for learning and desire to achieve. Over the years she has spoken at Juvenille detention centers and opportunity high schools, and has been an inspiration to many young people in and around her community.
In 2006 Justine received a special commendation from the City of Hialeah for her community service, an honor she is most proud of.
Recently, Justine was awarded a scholarship to the NY School for Film and Television, the same school that Miss Universe attends! This was very exciting for Justine, who is majoring in broadcast communications and minoring in Sociology and theater.
In her spare time, Justine enjoys taking Chinford Bennington to the dog park, dancing, singing and choreographing pageants and fashion shows.
Justine is proud to represent her hometown, Miami in the Florida US pageant.

Jr Teen Contestants

Miss Florida Teen Contestants!

Miss Teen Central Florida, Jana Baker

Miss Teen Central Florida is a 6th generation Floridian. Jana is a 17-year-old honor student and is completing her senior year while also enrolled in a Community College Honors Program.
She believes that students who are involved in school activities achieve greater academic success and was on the volleyball team for 3 years, a Hawkette for 2 years, in the honor society, drama club, debate club, student government, participated in the buddy program, and was on the homecoming court for two years.
Jana is undecided on her career goals, but is considering careers in reconstructive plastic surgery, architecture in Brazil, fashion design in Paris, or law.
Jana is very athletic and enjoys playing volleyball with her friends, biking, parasailing, hang-gliding, and the beach.
Jana encourages community service, at any level, and is actively involved with Habitat for Humanity, Shriner's, Metropolitan Ministries, Salvation Army, tutors other students in math, enjoys visiting preschool afternoon programs to read stories, and participates in neighborhood cleanup.
Jana believes that everyone should use the gifts they have been given and as her greatest gifts are her smile and caring heart, being Miss Teen Central Florida provides the opportunity for her to make a difference.

Rikki Klaus, Miss Florida Teen 2006

Rikki Klaus is dedicated to having as much fun as she possibly can and making the most out of life. Dual majoring in telecommunication and theatre while minoring in Spanish, Rikki attends the University of Florida and will be returning as a junior for her second year. Rikki enjoys being a part of the Student Alumni Association, the Florida Players theatre group, and the Delta Epsilon Iota National Honor Society.
Through her studies, she plans to pursue a career in broadcast journalism.
As a junior in high school, Rikki was honored to be named the Governor's All Star for her county, where she traveled to Tallahassee to meet with Governor Bush to discuss what we can do to advance our schools; as a sophomore, she was a messenger for the House of Representatives. Rikki hosted a citywide television show called "Young Minds" and was president of her class for her last two years of high school. As a senior, she was awarded the John B. Witt Principal's Award, which is granted to one senior each year for his or her outstanding all around achievement and contribution to the school. That same year, Rikki was named Miss Vero Beach High School, a Next Step Magazine Super Teen, the National Epilepsy Foundation Essay and Scholarship Winner, and was awarded with several other scholarships, including the Florida Academic Scholars Award: 100% Bright Futures Funding.
Rikki gave over 2,000 hours of community service throughout high school and happily continues to volunteer her time. As a senior, Rikki was named Student Volunteer of the Year and has chosen to concentrate her work on youth. She is a proponent for the Best Friends Foundation, a national organization for teenagers that promotes self-respect and values. Rikki will be speaking at the national convention in Washington D.C. in November.
Since the age of eight, Rikki has been on stage acting and has been in over twenty plays. Acting is a passion for her, and she continues to study theatre at UF. Rikki has modeled for such companies as ATT, Disney, Universal, Tiffany Designs, Jacqueline Bridal, Rack Room Shoes and Pageantry Magazine for Prom Time.
Rikki loves her county and wouldn't want to represent any place else. She is thrilled to be representing Florida in the Miss Teen United States Pageant and is so excited for everyone.
"Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping-stone to greatness." -Oprah Winfrey

Miss Florida Jr. Teen

Krystin Gearhart - Miss Florida Jr. Teen 2006
3rd Runner Up to Miss United States Jr. Teen 2006


Unforgettable, adenventerous, breathtaking; these are just 3 words that describe my year as Miss Florida Jr Teen United States. It has been an incredible year that I will never forget. Before I pass down the crown to the next young lady, their are a few people I would like to recognize and thank.Miss Pam, when thinking about you there is one word that comes to mind. AMAZING! Your wonderful support and kind heart throughout the year has been greatly appreciated. Your Passion for this pageant and its program shines through everything you do. You’re a wonderful person who has impacted my life. Hugs and Kisses! Krystin