Childhood dream comes true

Natalie Burgin set her sights on the Florida Strawberry Festival queen crown at a young age, her father, Tom, recalls.

"She said since she was 7 years old, 'I'm going to be strawberry queen,'" he said.

Fast forward to 2010, and Natalie's dream came true.

She took the crown Saturday over 23 other contestants. Her father said he couldn't be too surprised: "All my daughters are very determined," he said.

Burgin said she felt overwhelmed when 2009 queen Lauren Der put the crown on her head.

"I was just so elated and excited," she said Sunday.

"It was an incredible feeling."

Burgin appeared to alternate between smiles and tears after her crowning. She said she looks forward to representing the festival, and the Plant City area, in the next 12 months.

Burgin comes from a big family - she's the second youngest of Tom and Ricky Burgin's seven children - and about 40 friends and family members were on hand to cheer her to victory.

Natalie said she's close to her family, and twice her answers to pageant questions included her kin: When asked her role model, she said it was grandfather Fletcher Burgin. When asked what made the strawberry festival so special, she said it was a time to enjoy family fun.

Tom Burgin said Natalie, who could have competed for the crown last year, chose 2010 to enter the contest - and didn't plan to enter again if she didn't win. "I'm going to be queen or I'm done," he recalled her saying. The queen competition is open to women 16 to 20 who live in the Plant City area.

The queen and her court play an active role in the festival, presiding over contests, such as the shortcake-eating competition, and introducing headline acts. Burgin said she considers it an honor to wear the crown she sought since she was a child. She looks forward to the festival, which starts its 11-day run March 4.

Her interests include 4-H, and she's a member of the YMCA Youth in Government Club. She also works in the Sweetheart program with the American Diabetes Association, a cause that is dear to her heart because she has two grandparents who have the disease. Her plans include attending Florida State University to study international affairs.

Her 27-year-old sister, Rachel, is a member of the Florida House of Representatives. Burgin said she hasn't ruled out a run for office, but doesn't see it now.

Festival General Manager Paul Davis said he was impressed with Burgin and her court, including first maid TyLynn Eben, Dayla Dementry, Rachel Hallman and Ashlyn Robinson.

"I think they were delightful young women and I'm looking forward to another great year," he said.

He said he noticed that Burgin's family was out in force and he said the new queen is "absolutely adorable."

NATALIE BURGIN

BIRTHDAY: Nov. 24, 1992

PERSONAL: 5 feet, 9 inches tall with dark brown hair and hazel eyes

PARENTS: Tom and Ricky Burgin

SIBLINGS: Rachel, Joshua, Gretchen, Caleb, Gabrielle and Letty

EDUCATION: High school junior who is home-schooled; plans to go to Florida State University to study international affairs

CAREER ASPIRATIONS: Wants to work as a U.S. ambassador

NOTES: Her grandfather Fletcher Burgin founded M.F. Burgin, the wholesale produce business that her father and brother Caleb run; her sister Rachel is a member of the state House of Representatives; active member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Thonotosassa

THE COURT

FIRST MAID TYLYNN EBEN is daughter of Larry and Denise Eben. She is a senior at Durant High. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Thespians, the Step Team and SAC. She is also an active member of Plant City Entertainment. She plans to attend the University of South Florida and pursue a degree in psychology.

COURT MEMBER DAYLA DEMENTRY is the daughter of James and Kim Dementry. She is a Plant City High graduate. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for community colleges. She is a sophomore at Hillsborough Community College pursuing a degree in business.

COURT MEMBER RACHEL HALLMAN is the daughter of Scott and Darleen Hallman. She is a Plant City High graduate and is attending Hillsborough Community College. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, giving back to the community and is passionate about sign language. She plans to attend the University of South Florida to pursue a degree in interpretation and communications.

COURT MEMBER ASHLYN ROBINSON is the daughter of Michael and Mamie Robinson. She is a Plant City High senior. She is a four-year varsity cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is involved with Civinettes and volunteers with Metropolitan Ministries. She will attend a university and pursue a degree in law.