Ms. V.I. Senior America 2000 Toya Andrews returned home on Sunday with the title of First Runner Up in the national Ms. Senior America competition, held this weekend in Reno, Nevada.
Andrews won the Virgin Islands title earlier this year in competition on St. Thomas.
She arrived on an American Eagle flight shortly after 5 p.m. to a few well-wishers who greeted her with hugs and kisses and floral arrangements.
Speaking briefly with reporters at Cyril E. King Airport, Andrews said, "It was exciting for me because I had never been in a beauty pageant." Virgin Islands culture and music was well-received, she said, noting that by the time she left Reno, "everyone was doing the 'Inspection Lane' dance." The Jam Band tune was the road march for the 2000 Carnival.
Her talent was that of a stilt dancer, a traditional mocko jumbie. "That was a big hit in Reno," she said, adding that she's invited everyone to come down to St. Thomas for Carnival, "to see the real mocko jumbie."
She was appreciative of the support she received during her preparations for the national competition.
"I want to thank all for their love and support during my trip to the national competition," Andrews said. She said it was an honor to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands at the Ms. Senior America competition.
