Seven Contestants Vie For Miss U.V.I. Ambassador 2016-17

ST. THOMAS — The University of the Virgin Islands (U.V.I.) Student Government Association has invited the public to the 36th Annual Miss U.V.I Ambassadorial Competition at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26.  This year’s competition, which alternates between campuses, will be held at the Reichhold Center for the Arts here.  The theme is “We are Historically American, Uniquely Caribbean, and Globally Interactive as Miss U.V.I. 2016 presents Broadway in Paradise.”

“This competition is a tribute to young women striving for excellence through education, and is designed to highlight the abilities, personalities and intellect of our students,” said Leon Lafond, director of Student Affairs on the St. Thomas Campus.  The individual selected will serve as a goodwill ambassador for U.V.I. locally and abroad during the 2016-2017 academic school year.  Seven contestants are vying for the chance tosucceed Katherine Callwood, Miss UVI 2015-2016. 

Contestant number one is Steffi Nicholas.  Born on St. Thomas, she is a junior majoring in criminal justice.  Nicholas aspires to join the U.S. Army and then the police force, where her goal is to promote tolerance and fairness. 

Contestant number two, Khadijah Lee, is a senior majoring in communications. Originally from St. John, she hopes to establish herself as a public relations specialist.   Lee would like to use her communications skills to advance the reputation of the University of the Virgin Islands.

Contestant number three, Lisa-Marie Hodge, is a junior business administration major with a concentration in management.  Originally from Kissimmee, Fl. she aspires to practice international business law and promote leadership.

Contestant number four, Crystal Rawlins-Greaux, is originally from New York.  A sophomore who is double majoring in biology and psychology, she plans to become an oncologist who will serve the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.  Her platform for this competition is youth empowerment through the arts and volunteering.

Contestant number five is Cassandra Watson.  Born on St. Thomas, she is a junior who is majoring in psychology.  She wants to achieve her childhood dream of becoming a doctor.  Her platform for this competition is HIV/AIDS.

Contestant number six, Che-Raina Warner, is a junior communications major.  She was born on St. Kitts and aspires to become a news anchor/reporter.  If she wins the competition, she will use her title to promote her platform: “The Beauty Myth.”

Contestant number seven, Patricia Francis, is a junior who is majoring in communications.  Originally from St. Kitts, she looks forward to entering the world of broadcast journalism.  Her platform is to minimize inequality.

According to a U.V.I. release, all of the contestants will participate in a pre-pageant interview on March 13, where they will be judged on content, intellect, language fluency, spontaneity, physical presentation, audibility and clarity.  The Miss UVI Ambassadorial competition consists of six segments which include business wear, introduction, ambassadorial presentation, talent, evening wear and question and answer. 

Miss U.V.I. serves as an ambassador for the University.  This role includes, but is not limited to, participation in UVI’s recruitment efforts, and representing the University locally and abroad.  Miss U.V.I. is also expected to maintain high visibility on UVI’s campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix.

The reigning Miss U.V.I. Katherine Callwood, attends the university on the St. Thomas Campus and is majoring in early childhood education.  Her goal is to become the director of her own early education school which will serve low-income and special needs children.

The winner will receive one full year of UVI tuition, including room and board, and 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 award category.

The Miss U.V.I. Ambassadorial Competition is presented by the Queen’s Committee of the U.V.I. Student Government Association.  Ticket prices for UVI students are $25 (covered seats) and $20 (uncovered seats).  Rates for non UVI students are $30 (covered seats) and $25 (uncovered seats).  The ticket outlets are: U.V.I. Bookstore on (St. Thomas and St. Croix), Reichold Center Box Office, Men’s Corner in Yacht Haven Grande, Fashion Source in Tutu Park Mall and Nella’s Lounge in Cruz Bay, St. John.  For more information, contact the U.V.I. Student Activities Office at (340) 693-1640 or send email to [email protected].