UCF student makes it to top 5 in Miss Universe competition

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.

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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.

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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:

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