WEDNESDAY, MAY 16: Whether they want to act as an ambassador for their country, affect change on the island or build confidence and character, there are many reasons this year’s contestants have entered the Miss Bermuda Pageant.
So far there are no candidates representing Paget or Southampton although it is understood that one young lady has shown an interest in the Southampton post.
The 2012 pageant is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 8, when reigning queen Jana Outerbridge will crown her successor.
The event will be hosted by the comedy duo Patrina “Power Girl” Paynter and Nadanja Bailey.
We spoke to the seven girls about their hopes and aspirations ahead of this year’s competition.
Miss Warwick — Deshona Perinchief, age 23:
Deshona earned her Associates Degree from the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College in St. Kitts and has a keen interest in Fashion Design.
She said she entered, “because entering the pageant was always a dream of mine and I set it as a goal to accomplish. I want to be an ambassador of my country and be a inspiration to others.”
Miss Devonshire — Lene Hypolite, age 24:
Lene earned her BA in Bilingual Economics from York University and currently attends Georgia State University studying for an MA in Economics. Lene enjoys travelling, learning new languages and is an advocate for education through tutoring.
She said: “I entered the Miss Bermuda Pageant because I feel it is a great platform to effect positive change within the community.
“The title of Miss Bermuda is a position that resonates with many people, especially the youth and this is where I feel change is needed.
“Building character and confidence are continued goals of mine and I felt by entering the competition it would help strengthen these attributes. In addition, representing Bermuda internationally would be an honour and privilege and it is something I’ve always had a strong desire for.”
Miss Pembroke — Chelsy Furtado, age 17:
Chelsy attends Mount Saint Agnes Academy and plans to attend Acadia University in the fall.
She was an Outstanding Teen award nominee for Academic Achievement and Leadership, has a completed her bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and is a member of her school council. Chelsy enjoys dancing and painting in her free time.
Miss Smiths — Dwanae Simons, age 23:
Dwanae is employed with Wakefield Quinn and divides her free time between her family, friends and church family.
She said: “My decision to enter Miss Bermuda came as I have always wanted to be an ambassador for my country and entering Miss Bermuda gave me a shot at that goal.
“God-willing if successful in the contest, I would have fulfilled my dream. I consider myself to be a very strong young woman, God-fearing, independent, and eager to explore and take advantage of new and exciting opportunities.”
Miss Hamilton Parish – Dashunte Furbert, age 22:
Dashunte is a Bermuda College graduate with an Associates in Science.
She said: “I decided to enter the Miss Bermuda Pageant because it provided a once in a lifetime opportunity especially in the area of networking and meeting new people.
“This contest will also allow me to enhance my public speaking skills and build my self-confidence.”
Miss St George’s — Shannon Ingram, age 17:
Has recently obtained her GED and volunteers with the Candy Stripers & Girl Guides. She enjoys ballet, gymnastics and modelling.