CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The University of the Virgin Islands Student Government Association invites the public to the 41st annual Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition on Saturday, April 24, at 6 p.m.
Themed “The Great Gatsby of the 21st Century,” the ambassadorial competition will be streamed online. Tickets to the online event are $10 for the early bird special and $15 for regular admission.
“This competition is a tribute to young women striving for excellence through education and is designed to highlight the abilities, personalities, and intellect to our students,” said Leon Lafond, director of Students Activities on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas.
Four contestants are vying for the chance to succeed Raven Phillips, Miss UVI 2020-2021.
Contestant number one, Taquanna Baron is a senior biology major on the Orville E. Kean Campus. A native of Dominica, Taquanna’s platform will focus on “Cultural Integration.”
Contestant number two, Jackeima Flemming is a sophomore marketing major with a focus in data science on the Orville E. Kean Campus. A native of St. Kitts, Jackeima’s platform will focus on “Advocating for individuals struggling with physical, educational and cultural disabilities throughout our society.”
Contestant number three, Majestik Estrada-Petersen is a junior interdisciplinary studies major with a focus in education, fine arts and entrepreneurship on the Orville E. Kean Campus. A native of St. Thomas, Majestik’s platform will focus on “Support Local Artistic Talent.”
Contestant number four, Makayda Gustave is a sophomore biology major on the Orville E. Kean Campus. A native of St. Croix, Makayda’s platform will focus on “Healthcare in the Virgin Islands.”
The reigning Miss UVI, Raven Phillips, is a senior social science major with a minor in psychology on the Orville E. Kean Campus. A native of St. John, Raven used her title to promote her platform of “Literacy Improvement.”
The pre-pageant show, better known as the Pre-Ambassadorial Interview, was held on Sunday, April 11. The pre-pageant show was the first judged segment where each contestant was asked a series of questions by the respective judges to examine the contestant’s personality, intellect, and communication skills.
The Miss UVI Ambassadorial competition consists of six segments which include: the pre-pageant show, business wear and introduction, HBCU ambassadorial presentation, talent, evening wear, and question and answer. The contestants will be judged on the same criteria as the pre-pageant interview and also on appearance, appropriateness, intonation, outfit design and deportment. For the talent segment contestants will be judged on their expression, natural ability, uniqueness, cohesion, flow and impact.
The winner will serve as a goodwill ambassador for the University locally and abroad during the 2021-2022 academic school year. This role includes but is not limited to participation in UVI’s recruitment efforts and representing the University locally and abroad. Miss UVI is also expected to maintain high visibility on UVI’s campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The winner will receive one full year of UVI tuition, including room and board, along with other prizes. Awards will also be presented for the Most Intellectual Speaker, Best Ambassadorial Presentation, Best Performing Talent, Best Evening Wear, Miss Congeniality, Miss Popularity and Miss Photogenic. Prizes will be distributed in each category.
“Supporting student initiatives such as this Ambassadorial competition is a huge commitment that can never really be fully articulated. However, I have an affirmative duty to continuously advocate for students and ensure that they execute to the best of their abilities,” said Lafond. “As a student ambassador, whether male or female, you must be able to not only represent the University but the wider Virgin Islands community, locally and abroad,” added Lafond. “I wish each of the ambassadorial contestants much success on this journey to capturing the collegiate title as well as their future endeavors.”
The Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition is presented by the Queen’s Committee of the UVI Student Government Association.