Miss Florida Teen Volunteer

Applications are open for Teen State titleholders to compete March 4-6, 2027!!

Competing this year was truly unforgettable. Having the opportunity to represent my home state on a national stage was such an honor, and connecting with so many inspiring people while sharing my passions made it even more special. It’s an experience I’ll always treasure.

For more information please feel free to ask me any questions about the experience or reach out to the national office at [email protected]!

I had so much fun in interview! I truly felt like I was able to show my personality and walk in with a sense of peace, knowing I had put in the work. Being able to share my service and my heart for advocating for invisible illnesses means so much to me.

I love the zebra community, and over the past few years my passion for advocacy has only continued to grow. I’m always so grateful for the opportunity to share my story and the causes that mean the most to me. 🦓🤍

Arrived in Jackson, TN!! Can’t wait for the week ahead! 🩷

Let’s talk about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome 🦓

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that affect the skin, joints, and blood vessels. People with EDS often have joints that are overly flexible, skin that is unusually stretchy, and tissue that is fragile and slow to heal. Because EDS impacts collagen production, a major building block of the body, it can lead to a wide range of complications that often go unseen and undiagnosed for years.

I personally live with Classical-Like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a subtype that has significantly affected my life. When I was 12 years old, I underwent a femoral tibial bilateral osteotomy; a major surgery to correct the misalignment of my legs caused by a lack of connective tissue support. I was originally told it would take about three months to recover, but because of my EDS (which I didn’t even know I had at the time), the healing process stretched into more than a year. Aside from the healing problems I had with my wounds the part that proved most challenging was relearning how to walk.

Like many others with EDS, I didn’t receive a diagnosis until after my symptoms had already taken a toll on my body. In fact, the average age for an EDS diagnosis is in the mid-40s. This delay is part of why raising awareness is so critical; EDS is often unseen, underdiagnosed, and underfunded.

That’s why I’m so proud to advocate for invisible illnesses. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings greater visibility to those of us living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and to those who will come after us. By helping others recognize the signs earlier, we create change. Because awareness is where it begins; awareness leads to compassion, compassion leads to proper care, and proper care leads to better outcomes.

Let’s keep spreading the word for the zebras like me and so many others who deserve to be seen, heard, and supported.

Happy National Love Your Pet Day!! 🐾🤍

I have two cats, Maisy and Whiskers, and I love them so dearly. In fact, I love them so much that I made them the stars of my children’s book, which shares a message about kindness, bullying prevention, and what it’s like to live with an invisible illness like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. They’re such a special part of my heart, so it only felt right to have them be part of a story that means so much to me. 🐱✨

Miss Greater Columbus & Miss Central Ohio! ⭐️

I had the absolute best time attending this Ohio local just over a week ago! It was my first time ever experiencing a competition outside of Florida, and I loved every second of it. Getting to meet so many incredible, inspiring people made it even more special.

I’m so grateful I got to take on this adventure with it made the experience that much more fun and memorable!

Congratulations to all of the new titleholders. I can’t wait to watch your journeys unfold this year and see all the amazing things you accomplish. 🩷✨

Words truly can’t capture how grateful I am for David and Carry at 🤍

You have been such a beautiful part of my journey, and I feel so incredibly blessed to have you in my corner. Through every season, your kindness, encouragement, and unwavering belief in me have meant more than I could ever put into words. You have a way of making people feel seen, valued, and capable of chasing the biggest dreams and I am living proof of that.

Thank you for sponsoring my dream gown, I cannot wait to wear it in less than a month!!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being such an extraordinary part of my journey. ♥️🩷

Hi everyone! 🏝️☀️🌅

My name is Larkin Mainwaring, and I am beyond excited to officially sign on as Miss Florida Teen Volunteer 2026! This opportunity is truly an honor, and I could not be more grateful or excited to begin this journey.

A little about me; I’m a born and raised Floridian who loves all things Disney, spending time with family and friends, and kayaking through the beautiful Weeki Wachee River. Florida has shaped who I am, and I’m so proud to represent this incredible state.

My S.E.R.V.E initiative is “Not Invisible: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome”. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a severely underdiagnosed genetic condition that I have lived with my entire life. Because so much of it is unseen, awareness, education, and kindness matter deeply to me. Advocacy isn’t just something I do, it’s an integral part of who I am. 🦓

In March of 2024, I became a published author when I wrote and illustrated my children’s book, “Don’t Bully Me For What You Can’t See”. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of reading it in schools across Florida, spreading messages of empathy, inclusion, and understanding; something I plan to continue expanding upon throughout this year! 📚

I’m currently in college pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. Singing has always been one of my greatest passions and forms of self-expression, and I’m so excited to continue growing and pursuing this career path. Theatre has given me confidence, healing, and a voice. I want to bring the joy theatre and the community it creates to as many people as I can. 🎭

Above all, I am endlessly grateful for my family, who have supported me through every challenge and every dream. I also have two very loved cats, Maisy and Whiskers, who keep life entertaining and full of love. 🐾

To my sponsors, thank you from the bottom of my heart. None of this would be possible without your support, and I can’t wait to share more about each of you very soon.

I have so much planned for the year ahead, and I am beyond excited to see what 2026 holds. Thank you for being here, supporting this journey, and helping me prove that what’s invisible still deserves to be seen. ♥️✨

📸👑OFFICIAL HEADSHOT!!📸👑

•I’m beyond excited to represent the Sunshine State at Miss Teen Volunteer America in just 39 days! It’s been a tough pick, but I know this headshot captures the determination and authenticity that I stand for. Every detail in it reflects my commitment to this journey and my passion for making a difference. Thank you, Jesus, for giving me this opportunity! I’m ready to serve YOU, America!

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👑5 POINTS OF THE CROWN AND WHAT THEY MEAN👑

Read For The Crown aligns perfectly with the five points of the crown—Scholarship, Education, Responsibility, Volunteerism, and Empowerment—forming a comprehensive framework for community engagement and personal development.

Scholarship: Through “Read For The Crown,” I promote scholarship by encouraging reading and learning among participants. Reading fosters knowledge acquisition and intellectual growth, essential for personal and academic development.

Education: My initiative emphasizes education by making reading accessible and engaging. By promoting literacy and providing resources, I empower individuals to expand their horizons and pursue educational opportunities.

Responsibility: “Read For The Crown” instills a sense of responsibility within participants towards their own learning and community. By engaging in reading activities and educational initiatives, individuals take ownership of their intellectual growth and contribute positively to society.

Volunteerism: My initiative promotes volunteerism by encouraging participants to share their love for reading with others. Volunteers can read to children, assist in literacy programs, or donate books, fostering a culture of giving back and community support.

Empowerment: Lastly, “Read For The Crown” empowers individuals by equipping them with knowledge and skills through reading. By promoting literacy and education, I empower participants to overcome challenges, pursue their goals, and make informed decisions for a better future.

In essence, “Read For The Crown” embodies the ideals of the five points of the crown by promoting scholarship, education, responsibility, volunteerism, and empowerment. It serves as a catalyst for positive change, enriching lives through the transformative power of reading and education.

🎅📋 I mustve been on Santa’s 🌟NICE LIST🌟 this year! LUCKY ME!🎅📋

I’m beyond excited to represent the Sunshine State on the national stage. This is an opportunity I’ve been dreaming of, and I can’t wait to show what Florida is all about. Grateful and thrilled for this incredible journey ahead!
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So super greatful for the sponsorship with the Miss Volunteer America Organization! Because of your support, I can carry my crown around in style!👑
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A HUGE THANK YOU to for my sash! It’s everything I could’ve EVER dreamed of having! What girl wouldn’t love something that’s HOT PINK AND SPARKLY??💕✨
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“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart…” Psalm 9:1-2