Cape girls win Florida pageant
Two young Cape Coral residents, Samantha and Emma Chouinard, were recently crowned 2024 National American Miss Florida Jr. Preteen and Jr. Teen, respectively, recently in Orlando. They competed in areas of interview, personal introduction and formal wear along with participating in community service. In November, they will represent South Florida at the National Pageant as they seek the national title in their age divisions.
The National American Miss Pageants are dedicated to celebrating America’s greatness and encouraging its future leaders. Each year, the NAM pageants awards $1.5 million in cash, scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist the development of young women nationwide.
NAM is dedicated to developing the success of young women across the nation with a program that is designed to be age-appropriate and family-oriented. The NAM pageants are for “today’s girl” and “tomorrow’s leaders” where emphasis is placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence, learning new skills, learning sportsmanship and setting and achieving personal goals.
Samantha is a fifth grader at Skyline Elementary School where she is a National Elementary Honor Society member, choir club participant and in the Safety Patrol.
Emma is a former Community Service Chair in the National Junior Honor Society at Gulf Middle School and heading into ninth grade at Ida S. Baker High School where she is a JV cheerleader.
Both girls are dancers at Dance Dimensions of SWFL where Emma completed her 10th year this past summer and seven years for Samantha.
Community service is important for Samantha and Emma. They are active volunteers with Brooke’s Legacy Animal Rescue, Inc. where they foster animals, run animal transports, host pet adoption events, and spread the message of “adopt, don’t shop.” Their family also adopted a road in Cape Coral where they were recognized as a finalist by Keep Lee County Beautiful for an outstanding adoption group removing 3/4 of a ton of litter off a mile stretch of road.