Casana Fink wins Miss Gainesville scholarship competition

Press release from Miss Gainesville Scholarship Program, Inc.

On Saturday evening, Casana Fink, a 23-year-old from Ocala, was chosen as the new Miss Gainesville in a competition held at Howard Bishop Middle School. The Miss Gainesville Scholarship Competition featured seven contestants from around the State of Florida.

Moments after being selected, Ms. Fink shared her excitement about winning the Miss Gainesville title. “I am already looking forward to my duties this year – traveling, meeting new people and getting the word out about my social impact initiative, which promotes the importance of liver transplants: Give to Life—Donate Life,” said Ms. Fink.

As Miss Gainesville, Ms. Fink receives a $1,000 scholarship and the opportunity to compete for the Miss Florida title in Lakeland, Florida in June 2022. A graduate of the University of Florida, Ms. Fink majored in Communications and now is a small business owner.

During her year as Miss Gainesville, Ms. Fink will travel throughout the Gainesville metropolitan area advocating her social impact initiative. Ms. Fink’s social impact initiative of promoting liver transplants is personal to her and arises out of the story of her father who needed a transplant when Ms. Fink was 14 years old. She will continue to talk to various government representatives, business leaders, community groups, and citizens-at-large, urging them to get involved in the fight for incentivizing liver transplants.

Rachel Dickhaus, local executive director of the Miss Gainesville Scholarship Competition, commented on the new Miss Gainesville. “Casana embodies the qualities a role model for young women and girls should have,” said Dickhaus.

“She’s a talented dancer, ambitious and accomplished. We are excited about working with her this year.”

A number of other candidates received awards during the final and preliminary competitions, including: Miss Gainesville’s Outstanding Teen, Ashlee Combee (13, Branford High School); and First Runner Up to Miss Gainesville, Allison Reade (24).

Established in 2008, the Miss Gainesville Scholarship Organization provides opportunities for young women to achieve their personal and professional ambitions. Candidates also participate in community service activities and develop leadership skills that help them excel in their chosen career and life goals. A not-for-profit affiliate of the Miss America Organization, the Miss Gainesville Scholarship Organization has made available more than $95,000 in scholarships and in-kind funds to dozens of young women throughout Alachua County. Winners of the annual Miss Gainesville Competition are eligible to compete in the Miss Florida Competition, held every year in Lakeland, Florida.

The Miss America Organization, a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, is the nation’s leading advocate for women’s education and the largest provider of scholarship assistance to young women in the United States, awarding millions of dollars annually. The Miss America Organization is comprised of 52 licensed organizations, including all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Miss America contestants contribute tens of thousands of community service hours annually and have raised millions for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Miss America scholarships since 2007.