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Miss Florida Pays Visit To School

Tribune photo by JESSICA BALANZA

Kaitlin Giglia,7, right, drew a picture and presented it to Miss Florida 2008 Sierra Minott.

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By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: March 4, 2009

NORTHDALE - Miss Florida 2008 Sierra Minott made a special stop at Claywell Elementary on Feb. 20 before heading to the Special Olympic Stampede at Gaither High School.

Minott, who also was fourth runner-up in the Miss America Pageant, had a busy morning at Claywell.

"It was incentive for the kids," said Debbie Kugler, speech teacher at Claywell, about Minott's visit. "We were fortunate enough to get her to come here."

During her time at the school, four student reporters interviewed Minott and asked her questions such as "What's it like to be Miss Florida?" and "What did you have to do to become Miss Florida?" The interview was videotaped and will be played back during the school's morning announcements.

After the interview, Minott, who is from Fort Myers, went around to some of the classes and signed autographs. She also met with the 12 Claywell students who participated in the stampede.

During her visit to Gaither, Minott pinned ribbons on athletes.

"This is an opportunity to give back and use the title and crown to serve other people," Minott said. "It's an honor and privilege to share the experience with these kids."

Reporter Jessica Balanza can be reached at (813) 865-1518.

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