Who we are:
The Miss Strawberry Pageant is a time-honored tradition that celebrates confidence, character, and community. Originally created for young women of Bradford and Union counties, the pageant has grown over the years to welcome contestants from neighboring areas as well. It is more than just a competition; it is a place where lifelong friendships are formed, unforgettable memories are made, and values like hard work, kindness, and leadership are learned. No matter the crown or title, every young woman who steps on our stage becomes part of the Strawberry Pageant family.
Dawn Ripplinger resides in Lake Butler with her husband, Mike, and their two children, Abigail and Caleb. Originally from Lake City, she graduated from Florida Gateway College with a degree in business and spent 14 years as a bookkeeper and office manager before choosing to devote her time to supporting her family. In 2008, Dawn turned her love of creating sweet treats into a successful business, Ripples Cake Pops. Her pageant journey began in 2021 after her daughter Abigail was crowned Miss Strawberry Queen. Dawn volunteered behind the scenes with stage décor and support before stepping into the role of Pageant Director in 2024. Inspired by her daughter’s experience, she is dedicated to helping young women grow in confidence and shine on stage. In addition to directing, Dawn enjoys photography, making cake pops, and partnering with local pageants to encourage young ladies to discover their strength.
Executive Director: Dawn Ripplinger
C0-Director: Brittany Ward
Brittany has served as Co-Director and Choreographer for The Strawberry Pageant of North Florida since 2018. This role highlights her dedication to nurturing young talent and making a positive impact in her community. As a mother of three (Avery, 13, Liam, 11, and Ember, 6), Brittany balances her responsibilities both at home and in her professional endeavors. She currently serves as the Director of Cheerleading at Momentum Dance Arts, where her work over the past two competition seasons has highlighted her dedication to supporting and guiding young performers in a competitive environment. When Brittany isn’t with her daughters at the studio or her son at baseball and soccer, she enjoys cooking and traveling. In addition to her background in cheer and choreography, she has also been a licensed cosmetologist since 2007 and enjoys working with hair and makeup.
C0-Director: DeAnna Morrison
DeAnna resides in Lake City, Florida with her husband Justin and their three beautiful children, Collyn, Logan, and Zoey. She is a graduate of Santa Fe College and has 20+ years experience as a Energy Industry leader. DeAnna reigned as Miss Fort White in 2004. She has been a part of the Strawberry family since 2018 helping in various roles, becoming one of the directors in 2024.
The pageant would not be made possible without our volunteers.
The Strawberry Pageant would not be possible without the dedication and heart of our volunteers. From helping behind the scenes to cheering on our contestants, each volunteer plays a special role in creating lasting memories. Their time, energy, and love for the community are what make this pageant so meaningful, and we are deeply grateful for all they do to help our young women shine.