Jenicia Jackson, A Eudora Kean High School Graduating Senior, Is This Year’s Belle of the Ball Winner

ST. THOMAS — For the third year in a row, a graduating senior from the USVI was granted an unforgettable prom experience — including pampering, primping and hair styling, makeup, manicure and photo shoot —  all of which was provided to the winner of the 2017 Glass Slipper Project, creator of the Belle of Ball program, an initiative implemented by Aniska Tonge and Taiesa Lashley.

Ms. Tonge and Ms. Lashley are both passionate about service and worked diligently with sponsors to make the winner’s prom experience magical, according to a release issued Thursday.

While this year was the first year that the experience was open to students in St. Croix, no application were received from students on the Big Island. Out of 12 applications submitted from the St.Thomas/St. John district, Jenicia Jackson, above, was selected as this year’s Belle.

Ms. Jackson’s impressive essay, her dedication to her studies and involvement in extracurricular activities made her stand out as a well-rounded candidate, according to the release. Her willingness to serve her community through service and her drive towards success resonated with both Ms. Lashley and Ms. Tonge, making her the ultimate choice.

Jenicia Jackson

A graduating senior of Ivana Eudora Kean High School, Ms. Jackson was provided a dress and accessories sponsored by CHIC Lifestyle Collection LLC. She was then dolled up by returning sponsors and manicurist Kishma Faulkner, styled by hairdresser Deidra Hendrickson and makeup artist Marisel Melendez, according to the release.

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, for the third straight year, provided a suite for prom day preparation, where Ms. Jackson was treated to an afternoon of relaxation. After being glamoured, returning sponsor Cliff Franklin of Precious Moments Photography took stunning photos of this year’s Belle before she was whisked away in a town car provided by three-time sponsor Presidential Limousine Service of the VI.

The release noted that many of the sponsors have participated in this project for the past 3 years, adding that the effort would not be possible without them. Ms. Lashley and Ms. Tonge expressed gratitude.

“Halos go out to all of the sponsors that helped to create such a magical evening for our 2017 Belle,” reads the release.

4 Her aims to navigate young women through life by providing the tools necessary for positive progression academically, socially and personally. It is the 4Her belief that if the right traits are nurtured, genuine love of self will follow. The 4Her Foundation also provides as many outlets as possible to assist young women in growing into strong, smart and savvy leaders, teachers, educators and entrepreneurs. From scholarships to community service, fostering healthy relationships and serving as a gateway out of bad ones, the organization also serve as a liaison to services for domestic and/or relationship abuse and suicide prevention.

If you are interested in assisting in any future projects email Founder Aniska Tonge at [email protected].