By Sherry Jones
The energy was electric inside the University of West Florida’s Fine and Performing Arts Center in Pensacola on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Families, friends, and supporters from across the region gathered to witness a moment in history—the inaugural Miss West Florida Scholarship Competition.
Two remarkable young women emerged victorious: Hartley Spaulding of Crestview was crowned Miss West Florida, and Chloe Reese O’Donoghue of Santa Rosa Beach earned the title of Miss West Florida’s Teen. Both winners were awarded scholarships and prizes to support their future educational goals and now advance to the Miss Florida Scholarship Competition in June, the next step on the prestigious path to Miss America.
The competition was emceed by none other than Casana Fink, Miss Florida 2024 and third runner-up to Miss America, who brought elegance, charm, and enthusiasm to the stage. Her presence was a meaningful reminder of the powerful journey that begins at the local level.
But this competition is about far more than crowns and titles.
Rooted in the evolving mission of the Miss America Organization, the Miss West Florida Scholarship Competition promotes education, leadership, and community service. It’s a platform where young women showcase their intellect, express their values, and build confidence that carries through college, careers, and civic life.
In its first year, the competition not only set the stage for talent and achievement—it also redefined what it means to be a titleholder in a modern scholarship competition.
The Power of Scholarship Competitions
Despite outdated misconceptions, today’s scholarship competitions are dynamic programs where purpose-driven young women thrive. These events are designed to empower—not judge. Competing isn’t just about winning; it’s about discovering your voice and using it to make a difference.
The Miss West Florida Scholarship Competition, directed by Sherry Jones and Jula Ruhland, was built with that vision at its core. Together, they’ve created a competition that celebrates not just appearance or performance, but character, preparation, and purpose.
Contestants were evaluated in five key categories:
• Private Interview
• On-Stage Introduction, Community Service Initiative & Question
• Fitness Wear (featuring Rebel Wear)
• Talent Competition
• Evening Gown
Each area challenged participants to think critically, communicate clearly, and present themselves with confidence and integrity.
Judges and Mentors
The judging panel included an esteemed group of leaders from across the community:
• Dr. Martha Saunders, President, University of West Florida
• Lori Leath Smith, Executive Editor and Publisher, Life Media Group
• Ted Corcoran, President and CEO, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
• Theresa LePore, Executive Director, Miss South Florida Fair & Miss Palm Beach County
• Karen Parham, Certified Miss America Judge
• Lacy DeMartin, Investor and Entrepreneur
Their task was to identify young women who embody the values of today’s Miss America-affiliated scholarship competitions: academic achievement, service, stage presence, and advocacy.
Also in attendance were Keith Williams, Executive Director of Miss Florida, and Dr. Gregg Mays, Miss Florida Field Director, reinforcing the event’s importance as a stepping stone to state and national recognition.
Community Service with Purpose
Both titleholders have strong platforms that reflect their passions and personal missions.
Miss West Florida’s Teen, Chloe O’Donoghue, leads a heart-centered initiative called “Sew Loved,” which donates handmade tote bags to foster children in the Northwest Florida region. Her project provides both comfort and dignity to children in transition, and her commitment to giving back has already made a meaningful impact.
Miss West Florida, Hartley Spaulding, promotes a platform rooted in agricultural education and sustainability, aiming to bring awareness to the importance of farming and food systems in our everyday lives. As a 4-H member and advocate, she is passionate about empowering young people to understand where their food comes from and how agriculture sustains our communities.
Since being crowned, both titleholders have been actively representing the organization. Their recent appearances include visits to One Hopeful Place, participation in the Strength & Unity Conference, a featured performance of the National Anthem, and interviews with local media outlets and community organizations.
More Than a Crown
For Hartley and Chloe, the titles come with responsibility—and opportunity. Over the next year, they will serve as ambassadors for West Florida, engage in community outreach, and continue preparing for state competition.
At its core, the Miss West Florida Scholarship Competition is a vehicle for change. Through generous scholarship funding, young women are given real tools to pursue their dreams—whether that’s through higher education, entrepreneurship, advocacy, or professional development.
This isn’t just about being in the spotlight; it’s about using that spotlight to illuminate issues, inspire others, and ignite careers.
Elevating Ambitions
The Miss America Organization remains the largest provider of scholarships to young women in the United States. And programs like Miss West Florida are key contributors to that impact.
Former titleholders have gone on to pursue careers in law, education, medicine, nonprofit leadership, and public service. The communication, confidence, and leadership skills they gain on stage translate directly into real-world success.
This is what makes today’s scholarship competitions different—they are purposeful, forward-thinking, and inclusive.
Reframing the Experience
Scholarship competitions have evolved into platforms where intelligence, compassion, and dedication take center stage. Private interviews dive deep into a contestant’s values and experiences. Talent performances reveal creativity and discipline. Community service initiatives provide a glimpse into their personal missions and causes they care deeply about.
Gone are the days of one-dimensional contests. In their place: multi-faceted, empowering events that prepare young women to take on the world.
Looking to the Future
As Miss West Florida and Miss West Florida’s Teen, Hartley and Chloe will now represent their region at the Miss Florida Scholarship Competition. Should they advance, they’ll join women from across the country on the national stage for Miss America and Miss America’s Teen.
But win or lose, they’ve already demonstrated what success looks like. They’ve shown that scholarship competitions can be life-changing opportunities—ones that build skills, open doors, and uplift communities.
For young women considering whether to step into this world, Miss West Florida serves as a clear example of what’s possible. It’s not just about competition, it’s about connection, confidence, and creating a brighter future.
And for a community looking to invest in the next generation of women leaders, there is no better place to start.
