Hailing from Clermont, Noelle Schnacky, 2025’s Miss Florida Teen, has completed her reign. During this time, she made 113 appearances across 21 Florida counties. The cause she was championing: bringing awareness to congenital heart defects, the number one birth defect globally, and championing proactive cardiovascular health for her generation.
“This year has been one of the greatest blessings of my life,” said Schnacky, in a statement. “Every appearance, every conversation, every family I had the privilege of sitting with — it all mattered. I am grateful beyond words for what this organization has given me, and I am just getting started.”
Through her own non-profit organization, Hope for Heart Kids, Schnacky was able to reach several communities from Jacksonville to Miami. Not only has she been able to impact communities, but also hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses across more than 26 states. She has five published children’s books that she distributed herself. Partners that helped in her efforts include UF Congenital Heart Center, Orlando Health’s Arnold Palmer and Winnie Palmer Hospitals, AdventHealth, and Give Kids the World.
She is hoping to extend her reach beyond Florida as she has also met with representatives in both the U.S. House and Senate in Washington, D.C. She has also lobbied in Tallahassee to support the National Hearts Act, the Lasting Smiles Act, and the Federal Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act.
Schnacky has helped raise $4.3 billion in The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funding for their 2027 fiscal year, which is critical to advancing Congenital Heart Disease research across the full lifetime of the patient. She also advocated for $1 million in dedicated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding for ongoing surveillance of congenital heart defects, essential to understanding their prevalence, outcomes, and long-term impact on families nationwide.
While Schnacky’s reign may be at an end, she is still planning to continue her advocacy work through her nonprofit organization and to serve as a speaker on proactive personal identity and proactive cardiovascular living.
