Chrissy’s Big Win!

Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. If Chrissy Lastinger was nervous as she entered the competition floor of this year's 2021 Miss Florida Pine Pageant, she didn't show it. Having entered the competition with a friend, Emma, who couldn't make it at the last minute, Chrissy had to enter this competition largely on her own. Looking around, fellow competitors were seen in the preparation area, surrounded by family and friends. A quick glance backstage ensured the continued company of her mother, Dana, her sole support in this event, representing the Lastinger family members that were not able to attend. Chrissy's eyes moved around the room, falling upon contestants surrounded by families with matching shirts, balloons and flowers as gifts, her competitors busy with the company of their support teams. As her mother looked on with pride, Chrissy squared her shoulders, put on a smile, and stepped out onto the stage. Dana Lastinger and her daughter, Chrissy, entered the 2021 Miss Florida Pine pageant in Perry, Fla., and WON! Chrissy walked away with the title of Ultimate Grand Supreme, as well as the award for Most Photogenic in her age group. Chrissy has been doing pageantry for the last eight years, this year's Miss Florida Pine pageant being her eighth pageant she has participated in. Her first experience in a pageant was in June of 2014, where she competed in the Monticello Watermelon Festival. She has competed in the Watermelon Festival Pageant every year since then, with the exception of 2020, as there was no festival or competition due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Miss Florida Pine pageant was the first pageant outside of the Annual Watermelon Festival pageant that Chrissy has participated in, but was not her first win. Chrissy has won twice before in previous competitions, once as Young Miss Watermelon Queen in 2018, and once as Little Miss Watermelon Queen in 2016. This latest win of Ultimate Grand Supreme title means that Chrissy won over all the contestants from ages eight to 22. There were 19 girls in that grouping, a total of 49 in the pageant. Chrissy was surprised to hear her name called as winner. “At first it was a big shock! Once it set in that 'this is really happening', I was so excited and happy! It was such an honor!” said Chrissy. Her mother Dana was also surprised when the winners were called. “During the crowning of her age division of Petite Miss, she had only won Most Photogenic, and we were happy! When they announced her to stay for a higher crowning, I was confused and didn't know what that meant.” Dana laughed, “I had to ask the other moms! So when she went back out at the end and they crowned her with that title, I was just so thrilled for her. Tears started flowing!” The Lastingers began their pageantry journey by the recommendation of a close family friend, Megan Greene, who had grown up in the pageant world, and Chrissy has loved it ever since. While she and her mom have no solid plans for future competitions, Chrissy has enjoyed meeting other girls and making new friends through pageants. “She loves being on stage,” Dana says, “but just being around the other girls is her favorite part.” Pageants have been a great way to meet new people. One of her friends she made in last month's pageant at Miss Florida Pine came all the way from Jacksonville, Fla. Dana wishes to thank all of their family and friends for the love and support they have shown Chrissy. Chrissy's grandparents had wanted to come and show their support, but had to stay home due to COVID concerns. Even Chrissy's father had stayed behind at home to care for Chrissy's younger sister, who wasn't feeling well at the time. Although Chrissy and her mother had attended this latest event solo, they were far from being alone.