Two Lake County girls win Florida's Hometown USA pageant for their age group

Florida’s Hometown USA Program Inc., a non-profit educational youth organization, has selected five students, elementary through college-age, to represent their hometown throughout Florida in 2024.

Two of the students are from Lake County: Meagann Goodridge, from Fruitland Park, daughter of Tammy and Wayne Goodridge, was selected as the organization's college representative.

Raegan Mallory, from Umatilla, daughter of Lindsey and Hunter Mallory, was selected as the elementary school representative.

Florida’s Hometown USA Program organized in 1986. The purpose of the program is to educate the youth of Florida on the values of volunteer work and inspire them to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors through volunteer commitment.

The girls competed in the Florida's Hometown USA 37th annual pageant Nov. 10-12 at the Hyatt Place/Lake Buena Vista in Orlando.

According to program director Linda Watts, the students are being recognized for their volunteer and community service work. They will visit and entertain at nursing homes, children's hospitals, veterans hospitals, charity events and other scheduled activities throughout the state.

"Our program is partnered with 29 facilities throughout Florida where our volunteer programs are set up," Watts said, explaining that the other three students selected for this year are from Polk City, Santa Rosa Beach and Miramar.

Added Watts: "We are proud of all five students!"

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Fruitland Park and Umatilla girls to rep their hometown statewide