Sanijah Gris is congratulated by her mother on stage after being crowned.
CRUZ BAY — The first pageant of the 2015 St. John Festival saw the excellent grace and talent of three young ladies on the Winston Wells Ball Field.
On June 14, the 2015 St. John Festival Princess Selection Pageant commenced at 6:00, and concluded with St. John native Sanijah Gris being adorned with the crown.
Contestant #2 Sanijah Gris competed alongside Contestant #1 Sage Dalmida-Osiris and Contestant #3 Laila Evelyn in segments that judged their articulation, modelling techniques, talent, fit and appropriateness of dress, and more.
Entertaining Choreography
The show opened with an entertaining dance number choreographed by reigning Mr. United States Virgin Islands, Grey Samuel.
The three contestants presented their introductory speeches and were accompanied by backup dancers in a performance to the song “Do You Want To Build A Snowman?” from the Disney film Frozen.
The total points available for the introductory speech was 25.
The sequencing of segments was masterfully coordinated by the master of ceremonies Sheldon Turnbull. He alongside the Avengers band kept the crowd entertained between segments and whilst they waited in long lines for chicken and Johnnycake.
Special Musical Selections
The pageant also featured special selections from Shikira Smith, Sh’Nyah Bacon, and Destiny Garcia.
The second judged segment of the night was sportswear worth 50 points.
The audience watched in awe as Sage graced the stage as a gymnast; Sanijah skillfully represented the archer Robin Hood, and Laila marched in cadence as a military drill team member.
The third judged segment of the show was the storybook/cartoon character segment worth 100 points.
Sage twirled across the stage as she portrayed children’s show and book character, Angelina Ballerina.
Sanijah gave the crowd an experience of Brazilian flare in her performance as a bird from the films Rio and Rio 2.
Laila presented a heartwarming performance in her portrayal as Orphan Annie.
The eveningwear segment followed soon after and it was followed by the question-and-answer segment.
The question of the night pertained to an island tour the contestants took a few weeks prior.
Contestants Split Awards
By the end of the evening, Sage Osiris was deemed Miss Photogenic and Miss Intellect.
Sanijah Gris claimed the 2015 St. John Festival Princess title, Best Evening Wear, and Miss Congeniality.
Laila Evelyn captured Best Sportswear, Best Storybook/Cartoon Character, and Miss Cooperative.
