Two Exceptional Students to Vie for the Prestigious Miss UVI Crown on April 6

As the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) prepares to celebrate the 44th Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition, excitement builds on the Albert A. Sheen Campus in St. Croix. The event, a highlight of the UVI calendar, is meticulously organized by the Queen’s Committee of the Student Government Association and is slated for a grand showcase on Saturday, April 6, at 6 p.m., in the campus Cafetorium.

This year, the competition spotlights two standout students, each aiming to clinch the Miss UVI 2024 title in a display of grace, intelligence, and cultural advocacy.

LaMonee Morris, 21, is a psychology major with a passion for dance, which complements her academic journey. As a vibrant Mocko Jumbie and the captain of UVI’s Twirlettes, Morris is deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric of the Virgin Islands. Her campaign for the crown is underpinned by a dedication to promoting HBCU Pride, aiming to illuminate the rich cultural heritage and excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Competing alongside Morris is MiLisa Mercado, a 20-year-old nursing student with a fervent commitment to enhancing water accessibility and sustainability. Mercado’s campaign focuses on the critical importance of education in these areas, striving to make a lasting impact. Both candidates, proud representatives of the Sheen Campus, epitomize the blend of elegance, intellect, and leadership that the Miss UVI title symbolizes.

Jana Austrie, the University’s director of Student Life and Activities, shares her enthusiasm for this year’s theme, ‘I Am HBCU Excellence,’ a tribute to the legacy and achievements of HBCUs. Austrie extends an invitation to the community to experience the ambassadorial prowess and diverse talents of the contestants firsthand.

The Miss UVI competition is more than a title; it’s an opportunity for the winner to serve as a goodwill ambassador for the university, engaging in recruitment efforts and representing UVI on both a local and international stage. Criteria for judging include intellectual acumen, linguistic proficiency, and overall presentation.

Beyond the crowning of Miss UVI, the event is a platform for contestants to showcase their intellectual and artistic talents. The winner will be awarded a full academic year’s scholarship at UVI, covering tuition, room, and board, along with other accolades for categories such as Most Intellectual Speaker, Best Ambassadorial Presentation, Best Performing Talent, and Best Evening Wear.

Tickets are available, with a special rate of $15 for UVI students presenting a valid ID, and $20 for the general public. They can be purchased at the Student Center and Bookstore on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix, promising an evening of exemplary talent and ambassadorial potential.