Ireland Harkins, a recent graduate of Paul J. Hagerty High School as an honors, AP and dual-enrolled student where she was a four-year member of the Varsity Unleashed Dance Team. She was President of the Dance Honors Society and spirit captain of the dance team. Ireland is an Eagle Scout. Through her journey in scouting, Ireland served as Senior Patrol Leader for four terms and as Honor Guard Commander. She is rated an expert marksman in Rifle shooting and a sharpshooter in Pistol. Ireland has received much recognition in dance on the regional and national level including Hall of Fame Teen American Inductee and 1st place overall Dance Team Union Senior Soloist. Ireland has completed various roles in the nutcracker including Clara, Snow queen, and the Sugarplum Fairy.

Her Community Service Initiative, Make Them Wonder How You’re Still Smiling, is her nonprofit organization which assists children and teens in overcoming bullying struggles as well as advocating for healthy coping mechanisms. Through volunteering at various community events and working one on one with children in her line of work, Ireland realized the need for Mental Health advocacy and what it means to be a mind leader. Ireland plans to grow her non-profit in order to provide counseling services, with partnering companies, to those who may be unable to afford it or not know how to ask for help, giving more children all across Florida the chance to thrive. Ireland is attending Florida Gulf Coast University to pursue a degree in Marketing and hopefully build the skills needed in order to grow her non-profit. She is currently on her D1 collegiate dance team entitled the Dancing E’Gals, and one day wants to work professionally in the dance industry not only as a working dancer but as a choreographer as well.

In January 2025, Ireland will fulfill her lifelong dream of performing on the Miss America's Teen stage, which will be held in Orlando.