L2r: Miss St. Croix 2022-2023 contestants Rynel Harris, Helena Ni’chelle Gonsales and Kenaiya N. Henry. Photo Credit: USVI DIVISION OF FESTIVALS
The next Miss St. Croix will be crowned on Sunday after Covid-19 halted the pageant for three years.
Sunday's affair is titled Encompassing the Platinum Jubilee for Miss St. Croix 2022-2023. It features three contestants and promises to be fiercely competed, if a glimpse of the ladies' remarks given during the recent Princess and Duchess Show is any indication.
The show will be held from 6:00 p.m. at the St. Croix Educational Complex Auditorium. Tickets are $30 and $35 at the door. They are available at Urban Threadz in Sunny Isle and at the V.I. Dept. of Tourism's office in Frederiksted.
Below, some information about the contestants, from numbers 1-3, as provided by the V.I. Dept. of Tourism's Division of Festivals.
Miss St. Croix Festival Queen Contestant #1-Rynel Harris, Age: 23
Education: 2017 Graduate of St. Croix Educational Complex High School. Presently a Senior attending Texas Southern University majoring in Marketing with a minor in Theater.
Awards: 2018 Texas Southern University Miss Caribbean Student Organization, 2016 Miss St. Croix Educational Complex High School, 2012 Miss Arthur A. Richards Jr. HighSchool.
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Actor/Actress: Lynn Whitfield
Favorite Movie: Aquaman
Favorite Restaurant on STX: Too Chez
Favorite STX Artist: Julio F. Petersen III (Mr. Pete)
Favorite Inspirational Quote: “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” -Psalm 46:5
“Nothing is so complicated that it cannot be simplified by hard work.” –Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra
Why did you decide to compete for the 70th Anniversary Miss St. Croix Festival Queen? "I decided to compete for Miss St. Croix Festival Queen not only to become an ambassador for the island of St. Croix and the entire United States Virgin Islands but to also be a part of the journey that bridges the cultural gap between my generation and those before me. As a marketing major, I want to showcase the island of St. Croix for the beauty that lies within our people and the history and culture that makes us who we are."
Miss St. Croix Festival Queen Contestant #2-Helena Ni’chelle Gonsales, Age: 19
Education: 2021 Graduate of St. Croix Central High School and 2022 Graduate and Valedictorian of Dental Assistant School of Atlanta, Georgia.
Awards: 2019 Miss St. Croix Central High School, 2016 Miss John H. Woodson Jr. High School, 2012 1st Runner-up 60th Anniversary Crucian Christmas Festival Princess and 2011-1st Runner-Up Miss Alfredo Andrews Elementary School.
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Actor/Actress: Denzel Washington
Favorite Movie: Racing Stripes
Favorite Restaurant on STX: Too Chez Favorite
STX Artist: Tia
Favorite Inspirational Quote: “One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in, and where you want to go.” –Sheila Murray Bethel
Why did you decide to compete for the 70th Anniversary Miss St. Croix Festival Queen? "In addition to its intrinsic value, I believe that being a part of history provides important social and economic benefits. Competing in Miss St. Croix's 70th Anniversary Pageant is very dear to me. I do come from a rich lineage of women who have been very involved with the many aspects of festival including the Miss St. Croix Pageant, capturing the title at three different times in the show's history. It has always been a dream to become the fourth crowned queen continuing my family’s legacy. Yes, it is a dream, but also an opportunity to expand my platform “An Educational Evolution". I’ll use the title as a vehicle to inspire, educate and advocate."
Miss St. Croix Festival Queen Contestant #3-Kenaiya N. Henry, Age: 19
Education: 2021 graduate of Central Cabarrus High School Sophomore attending Winston Salem State University.
Awards: 2013 Miss Evelyn M. Williams Elementary School.
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Actor/Actress: Gabrielle Union
Favorite Movie: Charlotte’s Web
Favorite Restaurant on STX: Too Chez
Favorite STX Artist: Adam O.
Favorite Inspirational Quote: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you”. –Fred Devito
Why did you decide to compete for the Crucian Christmas Festival 70th Anniversary Miss St. Croix Festival Queen?
"Competing in the Miss St. Croix Festival Queen Pageant has always been a dream of mine. When I saw the flyer about who will be our 70th Platinum Jubliee Miss St. Croix, I immediately thought it was my time. I want to be the voice for young girls in my community who aspire and dream of joining pageantry. My mission is to become that motivation giving them the understanding any dream can turn into reality. Whether you are in college or a young mother, time management is the key to being successful at any goal you set forth. My live-by quote “if not you, then who.”
