Dec. 1, 2003 — St Croix Festival 2003-2004 was kicked off in grand style with the presentation of five lovely young ladies hoping to capture the coveted title of Miss St. Croix. The ladies were introduced at the St. Croix Educational Complex Sunday night to an enthusiastic gathering of family, friends and well-wishers.
The St. Croix Festival is celebrating its 51st year of pageantry.
Kareema Gaskin is a 17- year-old senior at St. Croix Central High School. She wants to pursue a career in business management and fashion design. She has participated in the Miss Pre-Teen Petite Princess pageant, Miss Central High and Hal Jackson's Talented Teens. "Pageants are fun," she said. "You meet new people and experience different personalities." Gaskin designed her business wear and several accessories that she will wear in the show.
Rennisha Wickam is a 16-year-old 12th-grader at CHS. Her love of math and science is prompting her to pursue chemical engineering or law as a future profession. "Your profession should be something you enjoy," she said. "And besides, I want to live a good life."
Halima Roebuck is a 16-year-old student at the St. Croix Educational Complex. In 1994 she and her partner captured the title of Festival Prince and Princess. She has participated in the Miss Jabberwock and Miss Elena Christian pageants. "Pageants give you the opportunity to express yourself and meet new friends," Roebuck said. Her future ambitions include a career in fashion design and law.
N'Taba John attends the University of the Virgin Islands, majoring in elementary education. "I love little children," John said. "They teach you patience." John said she never ran in a pageant before but welcomes the challenge. "Life is what you make it, and you must make the best of it," she said.
Pearl Ramsundar is a 19-year-old UVI student majoring in chemical engineering and public relations. She sees the pageant as a stepping-stone to her future plans. "The pageant is stressful," she said. "We recently had finals, and I had to juggle a lot of projects." Ramsundar sees politics in her future. "Someday I want to run for governor," she said.
The contestants strutted their stuff and modeled business wear and delivered personalized speeches. The presentation provided the judges an opportunity to judge the contestants on their outfits and speaking talents. The remainder of the judging segments including cultural wear, swimwear, questions and answers, evening wear, costumes and personal interviews that will be presented at the main show on Dec. 20 at Island Center. The scores from Sunday's presentation will be sealed and added to the final tally.
Tickets can be purchased from any of the contestants or any member of the festival committee by calling the festival office at 719-3379.
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