Four of five Miss University of the Virgin Islands’ contestants travel to St. Croix for Queen’s Retreat and Agricultural Food Fair

FELICIA EMMANUEL|

ST. CROIX – Donning white hats and sundresses, Miss University of the Virgin Islands contestants visited the opening ceremony Saturday, February 15th for this year’s Agricultural and Food Fair.

According to Student Activities Supervisor Hedda Finch-Simpson, the contestants’ visit was to acquire information about the university, meet with administration and network with students.

For Miss UVI participant No. 1,  Kimberly Donovan, it was not only her first time visiting St.Croix but also the agricultural and food  fair.

“I think that the setup is beautiful. I love the variety of booths it has here,”Donovan said. Naming hair and bags as visible fair items, Donovan placed emphasis on the food.

For Donovan, support from UVI students was key.

“I’m expecting to see more of my fellow UVI students here, supporting the fair and making it as big as it is,”she said. “For the most part, I am seeing everything I thought I would see and more, so this is good.”

Though this was not the first fair for applied math major Sheresia Gumbs, she had an experience all her own.

“This is the first time I’ve been here so early and I’ve been able to sit under the tent and see the dignitaries,” Gumbs said. “I was pleasantly surprised to hear all the good things that the Department of Agriculture  is doing.”

Referring to the research done with aquaponics, she expressed pride in knowing St. Croix was on the move.

Gumbs also briefly mentioned her high school experience in working with programs such as 4-H during the Agricultural and Food Fair. Drawing reference to her major, Gumbs said  her platform dealt with growth, clean energy and grabbing young farmers, engineers, scientists and researchers at an early age.

Contestant No. 2, Elisa Thomas, also attended. “No, this is not my first time for the fair either, but this is my first time in this capacity as a contestant and it’s a wonderful experience,” Thomas said.

In his opening remarks, UVI President Dr. David Hall acknowledged the four women sitting in the audience and the recognition was well received.

Referring to them collectively as shining examples of what all beauty, brilliance and personal value contained in one person, Hall congratulated them.

“Having Dr. Hall recognize us and being able to represent and be a part of the university as a whole it’s a great honor,” Thomas said.

This year’s Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition will be held on April 12th at the Reichhold Center for the Arts. For more information, individuals can contact the  Office of Student Activities on St. Thomas at 693-1640.