Wellness Wednesday

Week 1: Welcome to CROWN of Health

When I initially started Paris’s Pals while I was in high school, I never anticipated it impacting communities beyond my own. What began with cheerleading, advocating for school-based health centers, and a passion for service has developed into the CROWN of Health.

CROWN stands for:

Community Engagement,

Research,

Outreach,

Wellness, and

Nutrition.

These five pillars reflect my heart for service, my background in public health and administration, and my vision for a healthier, more empowered Florida. And now, through my role as Miss Gainesville 2025, I’m excited to share this journey with all of you every Wednesday for the next 10 weeks.

Why It Matters

Health is not solely about avoiding hospitalization, it's about maintaining well-being from the start. Aspiring to become a healthcare administrator, I have come to understand that community plays a crucial role in preventing chronic illnesses and addressing inequities before they arise.

I am convinced that we can empower individuals to manage their health by providing resources based on access, education, and equity. Through this blog, I aim to equip my community with these resources in a manner that is practical, encouraging, and focused on action.

Even in a place like Gainesville, issues such as food insecurity, care gaps, and neglected wellness needs persist. This is why each CROWN pillar tackles a different aspect of the problem, because every component is important.

How CROWN Is Taking Action

From showcasing research at national conferences to publishing The Not-So-Perfect Garden Project, I have dedicated myself to integrating health education into everyday settings. Whether in classrooms, community centers, or through conversations.

With school visits, pop-up book readings, forthcoming surveys, and ongoing collaborations, this campaign is expanding in ways I hadn’t anticipated. And I hope it continues to grow with your involvement.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a student, teacher, parent, or advocate—there’s a place for you here.

• DM me “CROWN” to get on our email list for events, volunteer opportunities, and research studies.

• Want to bring The Not-So-Perfect Garden Project to your school or community space? Let’s make it happen.

• Or just follow along every Wednesday and share these posts to help spread the word.

Together, we’re planting seeds for a healthier Florida—one post, one story, and one crown at a time. 👑💚