On Saturday, eight very young ladies have prepared to spectate, dazzle, and showcase their talents and personalities as they vie for St. Thomas Carnival royal titles of Petite Princess, Princess, and Jr. Miss at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center.
This is the sixth year that the Division of Festivals has held the competition and the contestants seem prepared to put their best foot forward. Audience members can expect to witness beautiful gowns, cultural costumes, and lots of energy from the contestants.
“After attending the show last year, I was deeply inspired by the energy, creativity, and confidence displayed on stage. I realized I no longer wanted to experience it from the audience — I wanted to be part of the magic and make my own mark on that stage,” said Petite Princess contestant number one, Skai A. Lewis. Lewis is a seven-year-old second grader attending the Calvary Christian Academy. Her parents are Monique Williams and Darryl Lewis, and she is being chaperoned by Elyssa Henderson.
When asked what she is most excited about for the competition, Lewis responded, “I’m most excited for the ‘American Doll Wear’ segment, especially with its cultural couture flair. It’s the perfect opportunity to blend my creativity with our culture and showcase a powerful representation of identity and style.”
Petite Princess contestant number two is six-year-old Suraia E. LaPlace Thomas. Her parents are Jeneva LaPlace and Jelani Thomas, and she is chaperoned by Desiree Wilkes. She attends Joseph Sibilly Elementary School, likes dancing, swimming, being a foodie, learning new things, and her favorite quote is, “I can do it, if I try.”
For the Princess Division, contestant number one is nine-year-old Kaysa R. Freeman. Her parents are Ronell Hansen and Kashif Freeman, and she is being chaperoned by Jikelle Michaels. She attends Ulla Muller Elementary school, likes twirling, gymnastics, dancing, and the quote, “The time is always right to do what is right by Martin Luther King Jr.”
Princess contestant number two is eight-year-old Emelia A. Brooks, who attends Joseph Sibilly Elementary School. Her parents are Yolande Joseph and Esau Brooks, and her chaperone is LaMonee Morris. Brooks likes dancing, swimming, and modeling and the quote, “You don’t have to be perfect you just have to be you.”
The division with the eldest contestants is the Jr. Miss Division. Contestant number one, Ayanna S. Gardner, is 15 years old and attends the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School. Her parent is Nyota Saunders Gardner and her chaperone is Charmaine Kean-Simeon. Gardner likes reading, crocheting, baking and playing volleyball, and the quote, “If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything.”
Three other contestants have also taken on the challenge of competing for the Jr. Miss title.
“The experience of competing and becoming the first petite princess of carnival in 2019 allowed me to challenge my fears, enhance my confidence, and learn about various aspects of my culture that were previously unknown to me,” said Jr. Miss contestant number two, Amaya S. Marks. “It’s been seven years since I last performed on stage, but as I commenced preparations four months ago, my skills were readily revived. My team has meticulously crafted an exquisite package, and although I’m eagerly anticipating all segments, I’d say talent and evening wear will be the crowning glory.”
Marks is a 13-year-old eighth grader at the Calvary Christian Academy. Her parents are Mashama Ferdinand and Alvin Alico Marks, and she is being chaperoned by Kadejah Percell. Her hobbies are playing volleyball, baking, and dance, and she likes the quote, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
Jr. Miss contestant number three, Alauna Petersen, said she was also inspired to compete. “Vying for the Jr. Miss title this year was driven by three main reasons. First, I knew I wanted to compete for a pageant title after watching our first Jr. Miss Queen, Jahniya Williams, be crowned in April 2023. Second, I was inspired to vie for the title because I believe our culture has been fading over the years, and by competing, I hope to help revive and celebrate it for younger generations to experience. Finally, I chose to vie for Jr. Miss Queen because I love to perform, and being on stage allows me to honor my grandfather’s legacy. He was the one who encouraged me to become the performer I am today.”
Petersen also added, “My favorite segment would be evening wear because it honors the important people in my life who have shaped me into the young lady I am today, encouraged me to compete in front of thousands, and shown me what it truly means to be loved.”
Lastly, Jr. Miss contestant number four, Jada-marie Leila Donovan, is 15 years old and attends Charlotte Amalie High School. Her parents are Ja’Nelle Forbes and Darryl Donovan, Sr. and her chaperone is JaNay Forbes. She likes dancing, painting, and the quote, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive – Maya Angelou.”
All contestants will be ready to perform and compete for their respective titles Saturday. The show at the Blake Center will begin at 5 p.m. For more information, go to the USVI Festivals website.
