Plant City celebrates Raulerson's bid for Miss America crown

The community turned out recently to celebrate Miss Florida Jaclyn "Jackie" Raulerson's departure for the Jan. 15 Miss America pageant.

Raulerson, the first Plant City resident to compete for the crown in more than a half-century, leaves Thursday for the pageant in Las Vegas.

Friends and family gathered Dec. 12 for a sendoff party at the Red Rose Inn and Suites.

Among those wishing Raulerson well were previous Miss Florida title holders, Dana Dalton, 1990; Mari Wilensky, 2005; Allison Krieger, 2006; and Kylie Williams, 2007. A contingent of supporters was also on hand from the University of Central Florida, where the 20-year-old Raulerson is majoring in television broadcasting communications.

Raulerson, a former member of the Florida Strawberry Festival queen's court, competed for Miss Florida as Miss Largo, which was open to all eligible Florida women.

Miss Florida pageant Executive Director Mary E. Sullivan said her selection was quite an accomplishment.

"Jackie is a true all-American rose, as beautiful inside as she is outside," Sullivan said. "She has embraced the opportunity to represent her Plant City roots, Largo, the state and the country while facing each new challenge with dignity.

"No one can imagine how many hours of hard work and public appearances go with her state crown. In the last four months, she has travelled over 2,000 miles representing Florida. She is focused and prepared for the pageant in Las Vegas."

Raulerson thanked Sullivan for her guidance and said she was "honestly over-awed" by all the support she had received in her quest for Miss America.

Raulerson, the daughter of Mayor Dan Raulerson and his wife Shirley, thanked family members for their support, including helping her through painful experiences as the victim of childhood bullying. Raulerson's platform as Miss Florida includes a crusade against bullying.

Recently she spoke about bullying at Knights Elementary, where her friend Wilensky is a teacher.

Raulerson, who is 5 feet, 11 inches tall, said she was bullied over her height in her "awkward, growing up years."

"I could not have survived bullying without my supportive parents and grandparents ... thank you for being my rock. My mom was instrumental in molding a tomboy and helping me gain confidence. She's always been my best friend while still being a great mother."Shirley Raulerson, herself a 1980 Miss Florida finalist, said family members, including Jackie Raulerson's 17-year-old brother Alek, are proud of her accomplishments.

"This is surreal. Even after all these month's it's like a dream," her mother said.

Her father struggled to hold back tears.

"Jackie is a wonderful kid and she is changing lives through her Miss Florida platform. I get choked-up thinking about how she is helping other kids understand and cope with bullying. Let's cheer, maybe, for the next Miss America!"

The party was arranged by committee members that included Marion Smith, Sandee Systma, Devony Scott, Silvia Dodson, Marsha Passmore, Di Lott and Sherrie Mueller. Event sponsors included the Lions Club and Auxiliary, Civitan Club, Junior Woman's Club, Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Plant City Daybreak, Arts Council, Optimist Club, Plant City Entertainment, Sister's & Company, Alessi Bakery, Parkesdale Farm Market, Florida Strawberry Festival, Florida Strawberry Growers Association and Red Rose Inn and Suites.

Raulerson, a 2008 Durant High graduate, is the third Miss Florida with Plant City roots. The first was Plant City resident Elizabeth Hull, who was chosen the first Miss Florida in 1930. The 1954 Miss Florida, Ann Daniel, was born in Plant City, although she competed as Miss Dade City.

The 90th Miss America pageant will be at the Theatre for the Performing Arts in Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. ABC television will broadcast the event live at 9 p.m.

The public can cast votes for their favorite contestant at www.missamerica.com.

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