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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLocal newsTamia Grant Crowned Miss University of the Virgin Islands

Tamia Grant Crowned Miss University of the Virgin Islands

Tamia Grant was crowned the 42nd Miss University of the Virgin Islands on Saturday. Reigning Miss UVI, Jackeima Flemming, crowned her successor at the Miss UVI Ambassadorial Presentation and Coronation on St. Croix.

Tamia Grant was crowned Miss University of the Virgin Islands on Saturday. (Photo Courtesy of UVI)

Grant is a junior at UVI’s Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas, where she is a chemistry and physics major with a double minor in computational science and mathematics. In addition, she is a member of a program that collaborates with Engineers for Tomorrow Outreach, which works towards developing a STEM program allowing students to participate in projects with engineers. In the future, she intends to become a chemical engineer with a focus in pharmaceuticals and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities. 

In addition to winning the crown, Grant was awarded the top spot in the following categories: Most Eloquent and Intellectual Speaker, Best Evening Wear, Best Talent, and Miss Popularity. 

“I feel truly blessed to have been awarded the title of Miss University of the Virgin Islands 2022-2023. I began this journey with the intent to get closer to the best version of myself, and I have achieved that goal, not because of the title but because of the hard work and perseverance through it all. I am humbled in the sight of God and grateful for this transformative journey,” Grant said. 

Grant’s platform during the competition was about increasing mental health awareness, and she encouraged the Virgin Islands community to take proactive steps to address the need for mental health wellness. 

During her reign, Grant plans to address several objectives. “As ambassador, I want to help UVI achieve its goal of increasing enrollment and retention. I also would like to fully establish my mental health foundation ‘Preserve’ and start raising funds for students on campus who can’t afford professional help,” she stated. 

As the reigning Miss University of the Virgin Islands, Grant will be invited to compete in The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.’s annual Competition of Black College Queens. Both the Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition and the Competition of Black College Queens aim to provide memorable and impactful experiences for young women attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country and help them gain self-awareness, institutional pride, and general societal awareness. 

Grant will also receive a full-year UVI scholarship, including tuition, room, and board, among other prizes. 

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

Also vying for the coveted title this year were Esonica Charles, Angelique Lettsome, and Tyler Valmont. All three are pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees in biology.

Valmont was named first runner-up and was awarded Best Ambassadorial Presentation and Miss Congeniality. Lettsome was the competition’s second runner-up and was named Miss Photogenic. 

The Miss UVI Ambassadorial Coronation was presented by the Albert A. Sheen Campus Student Government Association, Queen’s Committee. The theme of this year’s competition was “A Journey Through Time … Celebrating 60 Years of Black Excellence.” 

For more information, contact the Public Relations Office at pr@uvi.edu

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