Orange County

UCF student makes it to top 5 in Miss Universe competition

By Brittany Caldwell, WFTV.com

71st Miss Universe pageant NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 14: Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez, Miss Curaçao Gabriela Dos Santos, Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino, Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel and Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel speak during The 71st Miss Universe Competition at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

By Brittany Caldwell, WFTV.com

ORLANDO, Fla. — University of Central Florida student Ashley Cariño placed fifth overall at the 71st Miss Universe pageant this weekend.

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Cariño competed in multiple rounds at the pageant Saturday, making it to the top five finalist spot. Miss USA, Miss Venezuela, Miss Dominican Republic, and Miss Curacao joined her as finalists, according to the Associated Press.

Read: Miss Universe pageant: Miss USA, R’Bonney Gabriel, crowned

Cariño won the Miss Florida title in July 2021, her first pageant competition. She also placed third in the Miss USA competition in Nov. 2021.

Last year, Cariño won the Miss Puerto Rico title and represented her heritage in Miss Universe. According to the university, Cariño was born in Puerto Rico but moved to Kissimmee when she was young.

Read: Miss Florida 2021 delivers educational materials to AdventHealth pediatric patients

UCF said Cariño is also an aerospace engineering major. She said she hopes to finish her degree even with her duties as a Miss Florida.

Cariño told UCF that she was always interested in science and astronomy.

Watch this UCF video below:

Video: UCF receives $10 million donation for Lake Nona nursing program (University of Central Florida)

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