There was a special greeting held on Tuesday morning at Joseph Gomez Elementary School. Students, faculty, and staff turned out to celebrate one of their own as the newly-crowned princess of Carnival 2023.
In honor of 2023 Carnival Princess NaRiyah Penn, they spread a red carpet and set out a throne next to the logo declaring Gomez School as the Home of the Lions.
The Tuesday morning sun helped classmates prepare a warm welcome. They cheered, they roared, and displayed their school pride. Father Nareem Penn greeted his princess with roses as she stepped out onto the campus from a black SUV. Kyza Callwood — master of ceremonies for the Princess competition on Saturday — appeared on behalf of the Board of Education.
Gomez School Principal Erma Skelton helped stage the big welcome, saying everyone was thrilled to honor one of their third graders. In addition to winning the crown, Penn also took the titles of Best Talent, Miss Intellect, and Best Costume.
Public health precautions taken since the onset of COVID-19, and a management shift over Carnival activities forestalled the staging of events like the Carnival Princess pageant from taking place since 2020.
Kriston Ward was also crowned as the 2023 Carnival Prince Saturday night, along with Jahniyah Williams as Carnival Jr. Miss. The event took place at UVI’s Eldridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center on Saturday night.
