Nov. 5, 2007 — Miss St. Croix and Mr. St. Croix participants listened to life lessons presented by various speakers at their "coming out party" Sunday at Teddy’s in the Sion Farm Shopping Center.
"The best way to predict the future is to create it," entrepreneur Theodore Phillips told the contestants family and friends at the first public event for the contestants. The Miss and Mr. St. Croix competition is one of the highlights of the Crucian Christmas Festival. The winners will reign over the Festival activities and lead the annual parades.
Competitions are about "celebrating your talents and achievements," first lady Cecile de Jongh said. Rather than thinking about pageants as opportunities to exploit women they should be viewed the same as a woman's civic or sports organization deJongh said. Instead of having a "narrow view" more emphasis should be placed on the teamwork needed to accomplish the goal, she said. DeJongh urged the contestants to "value yourself and define your success."
"The contestants need to know that a well rounded person is more than beauty and brawn," pageant coordinator Merlisa George said. "I try to find innovative ways to make this pageant an educational and lasting experience." George, a former Miss USVI Universe, is in her third year producing the pageant.
The contestants got an opportunity to practice their public speaking by introducing themselves and the speakers.
Cyndee's Models in the Isle presented a fashion show featuring local designers and boutiques.
The presentation was held at Teddy's, a catering and special events business that recently moved from its Golden Rock location to a larger space in Sion Farm. Attendees enjoyed a light buffet complete with herb teas served in delicate china cups and petit fours desserts.
Other speakers included: educator Winnona Hendricks, Assistant Tourism Commissioner Bradford Nugent, and events planner and etiquette instructor Annamaria Heyliger. They spoke on education, self image, and etiquette.
The Miss and Mr. St. Croix pageant is scheduled for 5 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Island Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. They can be purchased at Urban Threads in Sunny Isles and Alliance Clothing in Frederiksted.
For the complete 2007-2008 Crucian Christmas Festival click here.
Miss St. Croix Contestants
— Carlean Gloria Mulrain: age 17, senior, St. Croix Educational Complex, Height: 5 feet 4 inches, Weight 120 lbs
— Stefanie Hurtalt: age 16, senior, The Good Hope School.
— Chantal Harrigan: age 18, freshman, University of the Virgin Islands.
— Shakyma Mercado: age 17, senior, St. Croix Educational Complex,
— Vania Lynn Maysonet; age 18, Freshman, University of the Virgin Islands
— Sharifa Yazmin Walters: age 17, senior, St. Croix Educational Complex, Night School
— Yaritza Lazina Ali; age 19, Employed at Shay's and La Italia Boutiques
Mr. St. Croix Contestants
— Sonny Edgardo Ortiz; age 18, Freshman, Monroe College
— Akeem W. D. Johnson; age 18, 2007 graduate of St. Croix Educational Complex
— Luis E. Santos: age 17, sophomore, University of the Virgin Islands
— Neftali Melendez: age 23, Virgin Island National Guard and Freshman, University of the Virgin Islands
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