Dec. 18, 2007 — Chantal Harrigan and Akeem Johnson were crowned Miss and Mr. St. Croix in a highly competitive contest that showcased the participants' talent, tested their endurance and revolved around their knowledge and portrayal of Virgin Islands culture, history and tradition.
The seven Miss St. Croix contestants were a talented and eloquent group with miles of fashion flair. Cheering sections for each contestant — armed with whistles, fog horns and brightly colored signs — were scattered about in the capacity crowd at the Island Center for the Performing Arts Sunday for the 55th annual queen show.
Although the performance began at its appointed 5 p.m. start time, several technical glitches and elaborate scenery changes in the talent section caused the show's second half to drag on and on. It was about 1:30 a.m. when the winners were finally announced and the crowd, which had also endured several brief but heavy downpours, finally made their way through the exit gates.
Harrigan, a 18-year-old UVI freshman who aspires to be a singer, fearlessly edged herself to the front of the pack with an almost flawless performance. She emerged onstage in the business wear section with a tailored knee length deep red skirt suit with black piping, accented with a black multi-strand beaded necklace. A short cape worn around her shoulders completed the look.
Her platform speech emphasized the importance of culture. "The past plays a vital role in who we are," she said. "Culture strengthens the unity of a people."
Johnson stayed cool, calm and collected throughout the lengthy show. Impeccably dressed at all times, the 18-year-old St. Croix Educational Complex graduate pulled away from his fellow contenders early in the show, sealing his win with an energetic talent in which he portrayed a old man telling his grandchildren about the good old days. With three quick costume changes Johnson concluded his performance in a masquerade ensemble accented with multi-colored streamers that flew in all directions as he pranced across the stage to the delight of the audience.
Vania Masonet captured the 1st runner-up position in the competition, showing off her gymnastic talent on a trapeze ring suspended more than 5 feet off the ground. The diminutive UVI freshman displayed grace, strength and body control as she balanced in a array of positions.
In the men's section, Luis Santos captured the heart of the crowd with his performance skills and was awarded the 1st runner-up position. Santos performed an impassioned drama of a man accused of molesting his young daughter. The crowd showed their appreciation in Santos' choice of apparel in the cultural and evening tuxedo wear. Luis also won Mr. Intellect.
Other awards given out in the show were to:
— Shakyma Mercado, 3rd runner-up;
— Chantal Harrigan, Miss Intellect;
— Sharifa Walters, Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality;
— Sonny Ortiz, 3rd runner-up and Mr. Congeniality;
— Akeem Johnson, Mr. Popularity and Mr. Photogenic.
The newly crowned Mr. and Miss St. Croix will reign over the remainder of the festival activities. For more photos of the show and a complete listing of all festival activities go to www.stxfestival.com.
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