A 21-year-old college student from the University of the Virgin Islands showed the judges of the St. John Festival Queen Pageant she had a little something extra that allowed her to stand out in a field of three. Steffi Nicholas won the title of 2016 festival queen on June 25 at an event that failed to turn out the crowds.
For those who did show up, there were three contestants giving polished performances through half a dozen segments. The one standout feature, the International Wear, incorporated the customary talent presentation.
Sixteen-year-old Cedaysia Fahie and 18-year-old Shyrah Issac, both students from the Charlotte Amalie High School, showcased beauty and poise along with Nicholas through swimwear, career wear, international wear/talent and evening wear segments.
The evening wear selections gave the contestants a chance to display their sense of high fashion in form fitting gowns in bold colors, spangled with crystal detailing.
But when the final segment, the question and answer, arrived, a visible shift took place. Contestants were asked what they would like to see the VI governor say to the territory’s youth, to curtail a rash of gun violence seen largely on St. Thomas in the past few months.
When the judges’ decision came, Issac was named Miss Congeniality. The photographers named Nicholas Miss Photogenic. Fahie won the title of Most Cooperative and for Best Evening Wear.
Nicholas was the judges’ choice for Best Career Wear, Best International Wear as well as winning the crown.
Because there were three contestants competing this year, no First Runner Up was Named.